A man of God confronted Judah's King Amaziah as he was preparing for battle against the Philistines, in 2 Chronicles 25:9. Amaziah was a decent enough king, but in this instance, instead of trusting God he spent 7500 pounds of silver to hire 100,000 fierce warriors from Israel to help him in battle. The Israelites were not walking with God but were deeply involved with idolatry and sin.
The man of God let Amaziah know that he was making a mistake. God has the power to make one stumble or make one succeed, he said, and Amaziah should trust God alone, not the Israelite soldiers he had hired. Amaziah inquired about the tons of silver he had spent on the soldiers from the north, and the man of God gave him a powerful reply, in verse 9.
“The Lord is able to give you much more than this.”
Amaziah was called to place his complete and unstinting trust in Yahweh his God, who could protect him, deliver and provide for him well. That is what Amaziah did and the battle was won (though the story turns tragic as he turned to idolatry later). The point is that our God is worthy of our trust and obedience.
So often, we trust God a little but we also seek to take matters into our own hands, as Amaziah did. He was ready to go to battle in Yahweh's name, but he wanted to get the help of sinners to accomplish the work. Sometimes, we rely on the power of the flesh to do the work of God. We manipulate, pressure, scheme and use worldly means in our efforts.
We need to trust in God, walk in his ways and use the weapons of warfare he has given us! He is able to make his grace and power abound to us no matter what comes against us.
If we trust in him!
Father, forgive me for when I have done your work by my flesh. Fill me with your Spirit and work through me for your glory.
No comments:
Post a Comment