February 23, 2025

Passage Read: 2 Kings 12-15
Meditation Verses: 14:8-10

Thought

Amaziah wanted to fight Jehoash and sent him a challenge. Very noble. He didn't just attack Israel and provoke them to war. He wanted to fight him, but more as a contest than as actual war. His pride was showing even in that, willing to risk men's lives for his own vanity. He got what he wanted and lost. Israel punished him, but let him live and left the land when they were finished. Whatever reason caused him to attack and succeed against Edom, he had little or no reason to attack Israel. And the Lord wasn't with him to give him victory.

Application

I'm called to serve the Lord, not myself. I have no reason to do things just to make me look good or to show off. If something brings me attention, it should be in pursuit of the Lord's glory. I shouldn't need recognizing or praise, but live to bring more praise to God. Everything I do should be to bring Him more attention and to lift Him up that all might praise Him. Watch out for pride and for the desire to exalt myself or gain the praise of others. God won't help me pursue my own glory.