Wed.’s Devo - The Wages of Sin

Read: 2 Chronicles 26:1-28:27; Romans 13:1-14; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 20:11 Amaziah was assassinated by his own people and his sixteen year old son, Uzziah was made king. He reigned 52 years and began his rule following the Lord. God gave him great success over his enemies and he became very powerful. Then he became very proud. He entered into the sanctuary to offer incense which was reserved only for the priests to do. They tried to stop him, but he was adamant until he broke out with leprosy. He had to live in isolation till his death. *** His son, Jotham became king. He had a healthy fear of the Lord, probably because her saw what had happened to his father. He was a very good, successful and prosperous king but only lived to be 41. When he died, his son, Ahaz became king. He was not a good king. He worshipped Baal and greatly sinned against God. So, he was defeated in battles and lost much of his treasures and his people as many were taken into exile. Israel also fought against Ahaz and killed many of their warriors. They killed Ahaz’s son, his palace commander and his second-in-command and stole much plunder and people from Judah. As they were bringing it all back to Samaria, the prophet, Obed met them. He told them how wicked it was of them to kill their own brothers and now bring some back as slaves. He encouraged them to not add any more sins to their list and return the people. *** The leaders of Israel agreed, so they dressed their captives wounds, fed and clothed them. They took them to Jericho and released them. *** Judah was being attacked on all sides so they asked the king of Assyria for help. He attacked them instead of helping him. Ahaz tried to pay him off, but it didn’t work. In all his trials, Ahaz refused to ask the Lord for help. *** In Romans, Paul explains the characteristics of authority that is under God. They honor what is right and punish wrong. They are God’s hand of justice. We pay taxes to keep them working for us. America has lived under authority that didn’t look like this for a while. We are slowly getting back to God’s authority. Thank God! *** We owe it to love one another. Love makes us follow God’s laws. “The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here.” That is a word for us today. *** Lord, may we not be distracted by the wickedness of our day but strive to let love be our goal. Thank you that we have your Spirit and your truth.