Bible Pathway - May 28, 2010
Highlights:
Three kings in today's reading all began doing right in the eyes of the Lord. But, from a great spiritual beginning Amaziah turned to idols and God destroyed him. Uzziah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (26:4) and became a powerful king, but he presumed to take to himself the position of priest. Consequently, the Lord struck him with leprosy. Then his son Jotham reigned as king and became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God (27:6).
Amaziah of Judah had hired men from Israel to fight Edom when he should have prayed and relied upon God for direction. He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (25:2). When threatened by war with the Edomites, he hired . . . an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel (25:6) to join his army in battle. A prophet said: O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee, for the Lord is not with Israel (25:7). Amaziah expressed concern: But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given (he had already paid) to the army of Israel (25:9)? The prophet assured him that God was able to give him victory if he would put his trust in God. Amaziah had a great victory without Israel's army and took much spoil (25:13). But it is shocking to read that he also brought the gods (their gods) . . . and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and He sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand (25:14-15)?
Like Amaziah, some, when confronted with a crisis, seek help from worldly resources rather than pray for the will of God.
The Bible was provided by our Creator and is the One True Source of wisdom for daily decisions and direction. As we read the Word of God desiring to do His will, the Spirit of Christ — the Living Word — guides our thoughts and actions (John 16:13). Every man (person) that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (I John 3:3).
The enemy is a wolf in sheep's clothing deceiving many who are ignorant of the Word of God.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall give unto you: for Him hath God the Father sealed (John 6:27).
Thought for Today:
Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's (Matt. 22:21).
Christ Portrayed:
By Azariah the high priest who stood between 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 (II 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 =b> farming.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Printer: Ambrose Printing Staff, Nashville TN • Government Officials: Rep. Steve King (IA), Rep. Tom Petri (WI), Gov. Mark Sanford (SC), and Rep. Aaron Schock (IL) • Country: Liechtenstein (32,000) in western Europe • Major languages: German and Alemannic dialect • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up (James 4:10).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 15
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6
