Read 2 Chronicles 25
Highlights:
Amaziah reigns in Judah; war against Edom; Israel defeats Judah; Uzziah reigns in Jerusalem; Uzziah stricken with leprosy
But he slew not their children, but did as it is written in the law in the book of Moses, where the LORD commanded, saying, The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin (2 Chr. 25:4).
The statement has been made before that one person might be punished for another person's sins. This is obviously not scriptural. This verse is clear that one person shall be held accountable for his sins and only his sins.
The "blame game", as some call it, may work in today's society, but not with God. What is the "blame game"? It is the passing off of responsibility. It is the not wanting to be accountable for your own actions. It is almost like the old saying, "the devil made me do it."
This is not to say there are not outside influences at work in the world. The enemy will do his best to draw us into sin. He will put all manner of temptation in front of us to try and get us off track. The devil has many resources at his disposal and he will use them all to trip up mankind Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).
Notice the words "influence" and "draw". There is a big difference between those words and the words "force" and "made". The latter words would mean that there was no choice or option in the matter. The truth is we always have the ability to choose. Right or wrong, we decide which path we will go down, the path of the Lord or the world's path. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matt. 7:13-14).
It is clear we have the ability to either resist or follow the devil. We can walk the way of the Lord or we can allow him to lead us into sin. The Lord knew how strong these influences would be when He gave us the model prayer: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matt: 6:13) (also see Ps. 141:4).However, if we do fall into Satan's trap, let us take personal responsibility for what we have done. When we sin, God has no desire for our excuses. He seeks confession and repentance. We simply need to admit to God we messed up. Then, we can turn back to the Lord and head down the straight path once again.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19).
Thought for Today:
We foolishly trust our own wealth or strength when God has promised to open the windows of Heaven if we will just do as He says.
Christ Revealed:
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 (2 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 Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you discernment and an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:9).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 15
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:157
