Bible Pathways - May 28, 2007

2 Chronicles 25 

In Today's Scripture Reading:

Amaziah reigns in Judah; war against Edom; Israel defeats Judah; Uzziah reigns in Jerusalem; Uzziah stricken with leprosy

After Joash was murdered by his servants, his son Amaziah became king of Judah (II Chronicles 24:25-27; also II Kings 12:20-21). As he began his reign, he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart (II Chronicles 25:2; also II Kings 14:3-6). On one occasion, he hired soldiers from the northern kingdom to help him fight against Edom (descendants of Esau) in an effort to regain lost territory (II Chronicles 25:6). After a man of God rebuked him for not fully trusting in the Lord, who alone hath power to help, and to cast down (25:7-8), Amaziah dismissed the Israelite army and was successful in defeating the Edomites. But, instead of praising the Lord for victory, he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them. Wherefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah (25:14-16).

One of the most successful kings in Judah's history was Amaziah's 16-year-old son Uzziah (26:1). The key to his success was unmistakable: He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God. . . . And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong. But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the Temple of the Lord to burn incense (26:5,15-16). Only priests were qualified to offer incense to God; but Uzziah refused to stop, even when rebuked by Azariah and 80 other priests (26:17). Consequently, God struck Uzziah with leprosy. Even though he was a great king, God still judged him, for no man is above the Law of God. Because of his leprosy, Uzziah was an outcast from both his own palace as well as the Temple.

Few sins are as deceptive and destructive as overestimating one's importance. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (Romans 12:3).

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 Chronicles 26:17-18). Jesus, our great High Priest (Hebrews 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 =aced each other in battle; 26:10 husbandry =b> the soil.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Letha Hash Government Officials: Rep. Steve King (IA), Rep. Tom Petri (WI), and Gov. Mark Sanford (SC) Country: Swaziland (985,000) in southern Africa Major languages: English and siSwati Religious freedom 67% Protestant; 19% animism, spirit-possession cults, and divination; 11% Roman Catholic; 3% Baha'i Prayer Suggestion: Boldly and confidently go to God in prayer through Jesus' Name (Ephesians 3:12).

Optional Reading: I Corinthians 15

Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 18:30