Day 227..."David's reign ends as does I Chronicles...Real Strength...Forgiving and forgiven"

I Chronicles comes to an end with an offering for the temple and the end of era - David's reign and death. The freewheel offering is given with great joy! The generous outpouring of the people created a festive and abundant atmosphere. David's reign is summed up..."He reigned seven years in Hebron and thirty-three years in Jerusalem. Then he died at a good age, full of days, riches, and honor." What a wonderful tribute! Solomon becomes king as I Chronicles ends. Isaiah writes in protest of the alliances with Egypt and exposes the folly. Does strength come from fast horses? No. Real strength comes not in alliances with strong nations...but rather in quietness and trust. "“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”But you were unwilling, and you said,“No! We will flee upon horses”, ... These passages sum up the human condition of placing our trust in the wrong people and nations. The parable of the "unforgiving servant" is also revealing of the human condition...we like the idea of personal forgiveness but are reluctant to offer forgiveness to others. How hypocritical! Jesus says we are to forgive 70x7 or 490 times. The 490 is symbolic of greater mercy than we could ever imagine! This is more like the mercy God shows to each of us!