Thursday
So Joash does some pretty ugly things towards the end of his life and he will be held accountable for them.
Amaziah is now made king of Judah and where we are told he did do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, we are also told he only did it halfheartedly. Really people, come on… can’t we have one good king, one good ruler to lead the people back to God?
Amaziah puts together an army to fight Edom and then foolishly pays some soldiers from Israel to fight with them. We are told that a man of God tells Amaziah not to use the men from Israel. Remember how God can use small armies to defeat large ones or men playing musical instruments and singing or horns to knock down walls, why would Amaziah think that he would need to hire more soldiers. Well, thankfully for Amaziah, he swallows his pride and turns the soldiers away at the cost of 100 talents of silver. Pretty costly mistake, but then again it’s only money. The loss would have been so much greater if he hadn’t listened.
But then what does he do? He sets up false idols and worships them. And then goes on to puff himself up with pride – look what I did. I defeated the Edomites. Look at me. Amaziah’s pride cost him his kingdom. Jehoash, defeats Judah and carries off their treasure.
Don’t let your life be ruled by arrogance and pride or selfish ambition. Do not fall into the temptation or lure of money or power, but rather serve Jesus with your whole heart.
Blessings
Pastor Kathy