daily bible readings

Often when we are in a crisis situation or when there is stress around us, we look for the best possible solution and put that solution into practice Ordinarily, this is not a problem . But, Amaziah found out that this is a huge problem for Yahweh.

Being a king surrounded by other nations, Amaziah sought to strengthen his military position by organising the men into military units and ranks.. “Amaziah called the people of Judah together and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds for all Judah and Benjamin. He then mustered those twenty years old or more and found that there were three hundred thousand men ready for military service, able to handle the spear and shield.” 2 Chronicles 25:5. This, in and of itself, may have been a positive and strategic move.

But, then “He also hired a hundred thousand fighting men from Israel for a hundred talents of silver.” .2 Chronicles 25:6. Not content with his strength and military position, Amaziah turned to the wayward tribes of the north to boost his position, spending 100 talents of silver to hire even more mercenaries and fighters. He must have been rather worried  about the strength of the Edomites near by to gather such a large and extended army.

Amaziah is ready for battle! But, his plans are waylaid by a prophet of God. “But a man of God came to him and said, “O king, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the Lord is not with Israel—not with any of the people of Ephraim. 8 Even if you go and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow.” 9 Amaziah asked the man of God, “But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?” The man of God replied, “The Lord can give you much more than that.” 10 So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. They were furious with Judah and left for home in a great rage.” 2 Chronicles 25:7–10.

Amaziah was rebuked by the Lord for allying himself, for being yoked to, foreigners that did not necessarily love God and serve Him. He was so afraid of his particular circumstance that he sought to strengthen his position without regard to Yahweh.

 The New Testament picks up on a similar principle of not being yoked to unbelievers, regardless of the situation we may find ourselves in. 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 tells us, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” 1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

Fear of our current situation sometimes causes Christians to be yoked with unbelievers. Sometimes pragmatic considerations cause the same yoking. At other times it may be financial motives or a desire for popularity or a yearning to avoid persecution or ridicule. What ever the situation, God has clearly told us that light and darkness have nothing in common.  

Amaziah had reasoned to himself that he needed the extra men in his military. But, the prophet of the Lord revealed the truth to him. In 2 Chronicles 25:8, the man of God declares, “God has the power to help or to overthrow.” God is so sovereign over the affairs of men that he can help people or overthrow them. He can do as he pleases.

As Amaziah heard the rebuke, he considered the vast amount of money he had spent on the extra troops. Again, the man of God revealed to Amaziah the amazing and awesome power of God. In 2 Chronicles 25:9, he declares, “The Lord can give you much more than that.” Again, God is so sovereign that He can bring wealth or poverty. He can build up or tear down. He can bless or He can curse. The Lord can do whatever He pleases.

Our God is the sovereign God. He can do as He pleases. He is in control of all things, even the affairs on unbelievers. We do not need to be yoked to unbelievers. We do not need to fear the situation before us. We do not need to hide our Christian light for fear of persecution. God can do as He pleases and we can trust Him to pave the way for us.

Prayer:

Adoration:

• Adore your heavenly Father for He is sovereign in all things and He can do as He pleases.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

Thanks:

• Thank God that He is always there and is ready to walk you through even the darkest of valleys.

Supplication:

• Pray that our MOPS ministry and Kitchen  Ministry will bless many people and that we would see many of these people come into the kingdom of God by repentance and faith in Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. Amaziah began his reign well by focusing in Yahweh. Why did he turn to the northern tribes to strengthen his military position?
2. In what ways might Christians today be tempted to be yoked with unbelievers?
3. How do we know if we are yoked to a non-believer or not?