2 Chronicles 24-25 and 2 Kings 12-14
Day 165 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith)
continues with my study of the divided kingdoms of Judah and Israel as we see both hasten their spiritual decline. Amaziah succeeds Joash as King of Judah and although "[h]e did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, [he did] not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash. The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there" (2 Kings 14:3-4). In Israel, Jeroboam II succeeds Jehoash and "[h]e did evil in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn away from any of the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit" (2 Kings 14:24).
What strikes me today is how Godly wisdom is ignored. Although Amaziah initially listens to Godly wisdom regarding the required strength of forces to defeat Edom (2 Chronicles 25:6-10) and destroys Edom, he brought back foreign gods and God's anger burned. The same unnamed prophet challenges Amaziah about such worship and the prophet responds indicating "I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel" (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). Of course, Amaziah seeks to go to battle against Israel but is defeated.
We all need our brothers and sisters in Christ to challenge, encourage, and even confront us when we sin.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, and who has placed many men and women of faith in my life who have challenged, encouraged and even confronted me in my sin. I am grateful that You have done this. Thank You Jesus. I am not deserving of such love. My sin continues - particularly worry and anxiety. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Amaziah, however, would
not listen, for God so worked that he might deliver them into the hands
of Jehoash, because they sought the gods of Edom. 2 Chronicles 25:20, 2 Kings 14:11-13
What strikes me today is how Godly wisdom is ignored. Although Amaziah initially listens to Godly wisdom regarding the required strength of forces to defeat Edom (2 Chronicles 25:6-10) and destroys Edom, he brought back foreign gods and God's anger burned. The same unnamed prophet challenges Amaziah about such worship and the prophet responds indicating "I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel" (2 Chronicles 25:14-16). Of course, Amaziah seeks to go to battle against Israel but is defeated.
We all need our brothers and sisters in Christ to challenge, encourage, and even confront us when we sin.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, and who has placed many men and women of faith in my life who have challenged, encouraged and even confronted me in my sin. I am grateful that You have done this. Thank You Jesus. I am not deserving of such love. My sin continues - particularly worry and anxiety. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
