King Amaziah Stirs Up Israel to Battle

LISTEN TO GOD

            Bible Study Passage:  2 Chronicles 25:17–24

"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. So Jehoash king of Israel attacked. He and Amaziah king of Judah faced each other at Beth Shemesh in Judah. Judah was routed by Israel, and every man fled to his home. Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah..." - 2 Chronicles 25:20-23


THE SOVEREIGN AND SERIOUS GOD

    God is always loving, merciful, and gracious to forgive our wrongdoings as his sons and daughters. With his omniscience, he knows that we are not perfect. That's why he is a God of second chances. But part of the problem is when God is trying to help us through correction we don't want to listen. We still have our own way. 

    In this story of Amaziah when you read the previous verses he actually didn't listen to the counsel of God. At the beginning of the chapter, he is presented as someone who did right in the eyes of the Lord though not wholeheartedly. On his first recorded victory, he listened to the man of God but later on, he backslid and worshiped other gods. When God sent a prophet to warn him, he ignored the counsel.

    In verse 20 it says, "But Amaziah would not listen, for it was of God, in order that he might give them into the hand of their enemies because they had sought the gods of Edom". The heart of this message is two-fold. One: God is sovereign. He does what he says. Nothing can hinder nor alter his orchestrated plan. Two: Seeking other gods is serious. No matter how many good deeds or accomplishments that you've done in the kingdom of God if you decide to walk away and follow other gods it is a rebellion against God. God takes it seriously. God is a jealous god. He doesn't want anyone or anything to take his place in your heart. 

    There are times that we find difficulties in following God. But when we falter remember to listen to Godly counsel. If don't listen to God our life starts to step into the darker path making it hard for us to see and experience his good, pleasing, and perfect will for us. When we sought other gods God has always been longing to seek and forgive us. We just have to listen to his correction. It might come from our small group leader, from our pastor, or from other trusted christians who know us inside and out. 


RETROSPECT: PRESENT AND FUTURE

1. When you fail or commit any type of sin. Do you have someone who could guide you to repentance and help you to give you practical advice? How transparent you are to him?

2. What are any examples of gods or idols these days that can replace the throne of God in our hearts? Are there any idols that you feel are consistently trying to snatch your devotion to God? Do you have a strategic plan to overcome it?


PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for you are truly kind and gracious God. You don't want your children to move away from you or let the enemy snatch them outside of your presence. You are always passionate on running towards me and forgiving me whenever I become unfaithful. Lord, I repent and confess for everything that I've done that is not pleasing to you. Help me to listen to you and the leaders that you've provided for me. You are my only God and nothing else. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

NOTES AND PLANS

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