Read 2 Chronicles 25
Highlights:
Amaziah reigns over Judah; war between Israel and Judah; Uzziah struck with leprosy; Jotham's reign.
But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the Lord is not with Israel (II Chr. 25:7).
Amaziah, king of Judah, hired 100,000 men from the idol-worshiping nation of Israel to help his kingdom defeat the Edomites. Up to that time, Amaziah had done that which was right in the sight of the Lord (25:2). Many things in life can cause us to lose faith in God if we are not careful. It could be fear, doubt, depression, anger, or a host of other emotions. It is important to hold fast to what we know is true. This is even more important in these times when there are so many directions in which we are being pulled. This is true since the devil is out to destroy the believer in any way possible. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (I Tim. 4:1).
One of the prophets of God confronted Amaziah with his lack of trust in God who alone hath the power to help, and to cast down (25:8). Amaziah therefore dismissed the entire Israelite army. Then, with his own small army and faith in the help of God, they conquered Edom. Oh, how need to have ears that will hear and hearts that will receive the correction God sends through His servants. Many times in our lives, God will send godly men and women our way to offer gentle rebuke to help us steer back on the path God has ordained for our lives. Always remember, they are there because we veered away and left the path.
Amaziah exposed his spiritual instability when he brought the idol gods of the conquered Edomites back to Jerusalem and worshiped them (II Chr. 25:15). Even when God brings great victory, we must still guard our hearts against the possibility of a trap laid by Satan. This is why a daily lifestyle of reading the Word of God is so important. The Word of God will provide protection for our hearts as we trust in it. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. . . . that you would walk worthy of God (I Thess. 2:4,12).
When we compromise the known will of God, the Truth becomes distorted, and we no longer experience the Lord's direction in our lives. That is why we must to follow the path God has for us.
He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God (John 8:47).
Thought for Today:
Those who remain faithful to the Word of God will receive stability and strength.
Christ Portrayed:
By Azariah the high priest who stood between King Uzziah and the Altar, because there was only one proper way to approach the Lord God of Israel and that was through the service of the priests (II Chr. 26:17-18). Jesus, our great High Priest (Heb. 4:14), is The Only Way for anyone to come to God. Jesus saith unto him, I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6).
Word Studies:
25:21 saw one another in the face, faced each other in battle; 26:10 husbandry, farming.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Ilene Wallace • Government Officials: Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), Rep. Aaron Schock (IL), Rep. Steve King (IA), Rep. Scott Rigell (VA), and Rep. Tom E. Petri (WI) • Country: France (59.1 million) in western Europe • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 80% Roman Catholic; 7% Islam; 1.22% Protestant; 1.18% Jewish; 1% Buddhist; .2% Orthodox; .2% Eastern Catholic; .2% Jehovah's Witness; 9% Other/None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you discernment and an understanding heart (I Kings 3:9).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 15
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Timothy 1:17
