December 18, 2023
What does it say?
Amaziah, the ninth king of Judah, ruled in Jerusalem for 29 years with half-hearted service to the Lord.
What does it mean?
The kings of Judah were praised when they followed the Lord, but God punished the kings who worshiped idols, as Amaziah did with the Edomite gods he brought to Jerusalem. God used prophets to instruct Amaziah in His ways, but in the end, Amaziah struggled with pride and lost focus on what God had planned for him. By the end of his reign, the walls protecting the capital city of Jerusalem had been torn down, and Amaziah was assassinated.
How should I respond?
God has put all of us in authority over something (a company, a family, or even our own property). He expects us to be responsible with what we have and show Him thankfulness as we discover how to take care of the resources and people He has entrusted to us. Think of three things, people, or groups God has given to your care. What resources has He supplied for you to use? Who can advise you on how to move forward? Today, thank God for what He has placed under your authority. Then ask Him how you can best take care of them. He will supply everything you need to do the job well.