April 26, 2026 - 2 Chronicles 8-11

931 B.C. and the kingdom divided – A reminder that one generation cannot presume to rest on the successes of a previous generation.  In fact, the seeds of the division had already been sown by Solomon.  Nevertheless, Solomon bequeathed to Rehoboam so many successes and so many advantages.  Yet, Rehoboam squandered it all, and the result was that he ended up ruling over a significantly reduced rump state that never really again amounted to much.  I am responsible for my own actions and decisions.  My children are responsible for theirs, and my grandchildren will be responsible for theirs.  That’s the way it is, and in fact, that’s the way it should be.  On the other hand, we who are in Christ have a much different story to tell.  Though we ourselves are responsible for our own sins, Jesus has voluntarily taken on that responsibility and paid our penalty on the cross.  In turn, the righteousness that we have is his, and he has given that to us so that we are able to stand before God clothed in his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).  Talk about a turn of events!  A turn to our great benefit!  What love toward us!  And how we now love him for all he has done for us!

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered

was all for sinners’ gain;

mine, mine was the transgression,

but Thine the deadly pain.

Lo, here I fall, my Savior!

‘Tis I deserve Thy place;

look on me with Thy favor,

vouchsafe to me Thy grace.

What language shall I borrow

to thank Thee, dearest Friend,

for this, Thy dying sorrow,

Thy pity without end?

O make me Thine forever!

And should I fainting be,

Lord, let me never, never

outlive my love for Thee. 

--Arnulf, Abbot of Villers-la-Ville &  Bernard of Clairvaux (12^th & 13^th centuries)