Read: 2
Kings 14
2 Kings 14 begins with the reign of Amaziah over
Judah. Amaziah follows the ways of his father Joash. He has the same zeal for
the Lord. Joash had repaired the temple and Amaziah refuses to let it fall back
into disrepair. However, Amaziah does not build on his father’s legacy. When we
inherit a godly legacy, we must do something with it. We cannot be selfish with
our inheritance. We stand on the shoulders on giants it is not for a fun ride,
but so we can reach higher than even the giants could. For example, the child
of godly parents inherits a healthy, biblical example of marriage. This child
is now responsible to strive to make their own marriage even stronger than that
of their parents. A father expects his son to grow the family business, not
maintain the status quo. Congregants of a healthy church must not merely
appreciate in the church’s mission. They must, in gratitude, as God how they
can help the mission reach even farther. God blesses us with an inheritance not
primarily for our own benefit. He expects us to multiply our inheritance to
bless others.
Judah sees great military success under Amaziah. However,
this led Amaziah to become arrogant toward Israel. Amaziah sends Jehoash of
Israel a challenge (v 8). Jehoash tempers his response, first giving Amaziah a
cautionary warning. Israel is larger and stronger than Judah. It would be
unwise for Judah to enter into battle. “Amaziah, however, would not listen, so
Jehoash king of Israel attacked” (v 11). This battle leads to an embarrassing
defeat for Judah. Years later, Amaziah is assassinated by his own people.
Meanwhile, Jeroboam II becomes king of Israel. Here
we see Israel with yet another evil king. Yet, God is sovereign and merciful.
He can use an evil king to bring about blessings. Under Jeroboam II, Israel
extended its borders. This fulfilled a prophecy of Jonah.
Prayer and
Journaling
1. From whom do you inherit a godly legacy? Ask God
how He wants you to multiply this inheritance to bless others.
2. Spend time in thanksgiving for the people who
have left you a godly legacy. Thank God for using people to disciple you and
train you in His ways. Pray that God would continue to raise up disciple makers
who will leave godly legacies.
3. Our God is loving and powerful. He can use even
evil circumstances to create good. Ask God to show you how He has used a
difficulty or an evil circumstance to work good in your life. Spend time in
thanksgiving for this.
