2 Chronicles 27-32;Isaiah 7-16/Acts 19-20/Ephesians 1-4

2 Chronicles
We start with a decent king in Jotham, but then we find ourselves embroiled with Ahaz - one of the worst who "followed the ways of the kings of Israel." His failures led to problems with neighboring tribes and the super-power of the time Assyria.

Hezekiah comes along and is quite a turn around. He works to restore the temple and reestablish worship there. He also leads the people in a national passover.

However there were problems because the Assyrians come through the land waging war and pillaging. Chronicles leaves out the tribute Hezekiah offers Sennacherib. However it does preserve the story of the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem by God. Hezekiah was one of the greatest post-Davidic kings.

Isaiah
Chapter 7 contains a famous messianic section. However, please note the situation. The prophecy is that by the time the boy, who is now inside his pregnant mother, is old enough to eat soft food, the enemies of Jerusalem will be no more. This prophecy is fulfilled, and the alliance fails to conquer Jerusalem.

There is a series of prophecies here, regarding the downfall of the northern kingdom, but also a promise that Yahweh would save his people. Chapter 10 pronounces judgment on Assyria for conquering God's people. Keep this in mind - the people are punished by God by an invader, Assyria - but Assyria is also judged for its violence.

Then we have another prophecy of a future peaceful kingdom and how God will reclaim the remnant of his people. Chapter 12 begins a series of pronouncements against foreign nations, often represented by their principle cities.

This part of Isaiah is full of this two sided prophecy. There will be punishment and exile - but God will still save God's people.

Acts
The major part here covers Paul's ministry in Ephesus, which was a center for Christianity. Many books are thought to have been written from here. Of course, we are also reading the book of Ephesians this week. Chapter 20 is Paul's final visit to Greece.

Ephesians
Ephesians lacks some of the typical characteristics of Paul's other letters. There is very little mention of people's names and the letter does not have the particularity that many of Paul's other letters had. It many way it is more of a homiletical type letter, similar to Romans, which is very didactic.

After a brief introduction, Paul gives thanks for the Ephesians and for the power of God in God's salvation of the world. He contrasts the old life with the new, the importance of grace and works. He reveals the secret that has put him in chains - namely that the Gentiles would become fellow heirs of this great salvation. Because God has done such great things - we should live in unity though we are all different, we should live our lives in a different way.