You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy reading about the history of God’s people. We’re God’s people, so this is our story as well. In this reading we see where the good king doesn’t win. Haven’t we seen the pattern of the good kings getting victory because they are followers of the LORD? Even Scripture alludes to this change, “Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not like his ancestor David.” (Disclosure: obedience doesn’t always lead to victory!)
So, it makes sense that Amaziah would not necessarily have enjoyed the taste of victory every time like David had. The difference, David would have consulted with God about a battle. We didn’t see any evidence of that when Amaziah, almost boastfully, called for battle with Israel’s king. What would have possessed him to do such a thing? That conflict would be between brothers and certainly didn’t seem like something God would approve of!
So, bad things can happen to good kings and good people, too. You’ve probably seen plenty of inequality in the world around you. There seem to be a lot of successful people out there who have absolutely nothing to do with God. What a flashback to our story today. And then we see other god-fearing people who have little or no success. Like I said, inequality.
However, God’s economy is different than what we could ever imagine. The wealth that we possess because of our inheritance has value that cannot be counted. I would much rather have that wealth over all the riches on earth. Earthly possessions fade away.
I recently heard this good counsel: “Hold earthly possessions with an open hand so that God can give or take away for His great purpose in your life.” Think on that today along with the wisdom of Colossians 3:2, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
Remember that good and bad things happen to us all each day. How we handle each new circumstance reflects our trust in God. Do we run, do we worry, do we gloat, do we trust God will direct our path and comfort when needed?
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for giving me the inheritance I have in your kingdom. I am nothing without you. Forgive me when I worry or lose time with you because of distractions used by the evil one. Help me to stand strong and to be always grateful for all you have provided. Give me the strength and the courage to make it through the hard days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
