05/16/16 Foolishness

READING: 2 Chronicles 25-27

Foolishness. Most of us exhibit that trait at one time or another. None of us wants to or plans to, but still we act foolishly sometimes. 

We’re not unlike King Amaziah, who conquered the Edomites but then brought back their gods and set them up as his own gods. God sent a prophet to the king to ask him what seems to be a basic, obvious question: “Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?” (2 Chron 25:15). They couldn’t save Edom from Amaziah, but still Amaziah adopted these false gods as his own — he who had already conquered them gave them power they did not have. We’re no different when we follow our idols of lust and pride and power and position and money, even when we know these idols cannot bring us lasting joy. 

Likewise, we’re not unlike King Uzziah, whose fame spread far and wide — but of whom it’s also written, “But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (2 Chron 26:16). God had given him success in battle (like Amaziah), but Uzziah let that success go to his head when he sought to usurp the priests’ authority to burn incense on the altar. We do that, too, when we let our guard down after a few victories; because we’ve had some wins, we don’t see the need to fight as hard to be holy. Our pride then leads to our fall. 

Here’s the good news, though. The Word of God warns us and corrects us before we fall. Listen to the Word of God, and determine if you’re headed in a foolish direction today. 

ACTION STEPS: 

  • If you’re following idols that have no power and can bring you no joy, turn from them today. 
  • If you find yourself less concerned about temptation since you’ve had a few victories, be alert to the enemy who still seeks to devour you. 

PRAYER: God, help me not to be foolish today.”

TOMORROW¹S READING:  2 Chronicles 28-31

 

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