Today’s devotion comes from 2 Kings 15:23-31. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Kings%2015&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekahiah son of Menahem became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years. He did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin. Then Pekah son of Remaliah, his officer, conspired against him and struck him in Samaria, in the castle of the king’s house with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites, and he killed him and became king in his place. …
In the fifty-second year of Azariah king of Judah, Pekah son of Remaliah became king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years. He did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin.” 2 Kings 15:23-25 and 27-28.
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“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
And he who is wise wins souls.” Proverbs 11:30.
Of both Kings of Israel, Pekahiah and Pekah, it was said: “He did evil in the sight of the LORD; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin.“
It is bad enough to do evil in the sight of the LORD, but it is worse to make others sin in addition to our own sin.
Today’s devotion will review a few Scriptures on the contrast between, so to speak, being a stumbling block versus being a stepping stone. In other words, do we lead people to righteousness? Or, do we lead people to unrighteousness?
“He said to His disciples, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Luke 17:1-2.
“Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:13-17.
“But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9.
“All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24.
“do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.
“Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Romans 14:19.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
“Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:3.
But, there is hope!
“The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3.
“And He (Christ) gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-13.
“… Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:25-27.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 