2 Kings – Chapter 14

Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face.” 2 Kings 14:8 – Amaziah, the king of Judah, had just won a massive victory over Edom. He was able to gather 300,000 soldiers and took out 20,000 Edomites in battle. With the victory still fresh, Amaziah sent word to the king of Israel saying he wanted to now battle him. Spoiler, they went to battle and Amaziah lost. Yet his loss wasn’t just a loss in the battlefield, we see the loss extended far further into the kingdom. We see a large portion of the wall around Jerusalem was destroyed, leaving it open to attack. We see the king’s house and the temple were ransacked of all their silver and gold. Even hostages were taken from Jerusalem as a result of this loss. Something that isn’t always looked at is the collateral loss our pride brings. Yes we may be humiliated when our pride is humbled, but the loss can extend further than us. Our loves ones can feel the loss, our church can feel the loss, even people we don’t know can be impacted by our pride. If scripture is true, which it always is, then destruction will always follow a prideful heart. Choose then to walk in humility so the destruction of pride doesn’t have to reach you nor extend beyond you to others. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3080

And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done. But the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 2 Kings 14:3-4 – Before I give my point of this devotion, I want to make sure you understand you all are in a leadership position somehow. Possibly its a clear position of leadership like a pastor or boss, yet maybe it’s more like a parent, older sibling, a counseling friend, or a server at church. Even if none of those fit you, you have influence on the people around you meaning you do lead. So listen carefully to what I’m about to say, if you’re not leading people away from sin you’re not leading them right. Amaziah in our passage was following God (sort of), but the people he had influence over weren’t. He was walking towards God, but the people he was called to lead still were caught up in their sin. For us, we have to take part in the process of leading the people around us away from their bondage to sin. We can’t free them, but Jesus can, so we need to be leading them towards Him. If those following us aren’t finding themselves closer to Jesus, are we really following Jesus? Don’t stay content with seeing the people around you stuck in their sin. Check yourself to make sure your walk is right then start leading people to following Jesus. That’s what we’re here for. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 385

For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter, for there was none left, bond or free, and there was none to help Israel. But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. 2 Kings 14:26-27 – God has a plan and that plan is to save His people. His plan is going to take place whether we step up or not. We see that within this passage, no one was stepping up so God stepped in. God though is inviting us into the work He is doing. He wants us to experience the joy that comes with the work He is doing. While His plan isn’t dependent upon our participation to be completed, its big enough, and God’s good enough, for God to allow us a part in the plan if we will step up. God is moving right now in the lives of those around you, step up by stepping into their lives too and be a part of what God is doing in this world. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1037

You have indeed struck down Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Be content with your glory, and stay at home, for why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you? 2 Kings 14:10 – This is part of the King of Israel’s response back to the King of Judah’s after he demanded there be war between the two nations. Judah’s king had grown an unhealthy confidence after winning a few battles and challenged Israel to war. What the King of Israel said should have been listened to, “Be content with your glory.” Refusing though to be content, the two go to war and the confidence of Judah’s king is crushed by a humiliating loss. Land and structures were destroyed, hostages taken, and precious things from the temple stolen, all because of unholy pride. Be wise then as followers of Jesus to handle all glory in the ways you are called…by giving it all to Him. Where things get confusing is when the follower takes the glory that should only be for the Father. Our passage is an example of what happens when we let pride lead and glory be our goal. Destruction of what’s precious and loss of what’s valuable. Our role then as followers of Jesus is to claim no glory for ourselves but to redirect all glory to Him and to live in such a way to bring Jesus glory. It’s His name that should be lifted high and remembered above all names, included our own. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2220