Spring Cleaning

Read 2 Kings 21:1 through 25:30
Josiah heard God’s Word and set about a cleaning that would exhaust the world’s most fastidious housekeeper. He oversaw the tearing down of idols and altars, the burning of fetishes, and the slaughter of illegitimate priests. He determined to rid his kingdom of things displeasing to God.
The king ordered Hilkiah the high priest, the priests next in rank and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry hosts. He burned them outside Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:4).
When God’s Word pinpoints things in our lives needing change, we must be as ruthless as Josiah. Perhaps we fudge on our expense report or gossip about others. God’s Word speaks to these and other matters. He wants us to live lives pleasing to Him.
It’s not an easy process to perceive ourselves in the light of God’s Word, but it is necessary so we can confront our idols and put them where they belong.
Thought for Today: God’s Word shows me what God wants from me and for me.
Quicklook: 2 Kings 23:4–9

Consequences

Read 2 Kings 14:26–29; Amos 1:1 through 2:16

Perhaps we learned it in the principal’s office after committing a misdeed or when a traffic court judge determined the fine for our traffic infraction. But at some point, we all learned that our actions have consequences.

God judged Israel’s neighbors for atrocities they committed. When His attention turned to His chosen people, their “crimes” centered on how they had treated the living God as well as their fellow countrymen. Judah and Israel were living in moral deterioration.

Because they have rejected the law of the Lord and have not kept his decrees, because they have been led astray by false gods, the gods their ancestors followed, I will send fire on Judah that will consume the fortresses of Jerusalem (Amos 2:4,5).

Our attitude toward God and His Word has consequences. If we follow the instructions He has so plainly laid out for us, He promises blessing. The reverse is also true. If we persist in ignoring what He wants us to do, we will have to live with the consequences which may not be very pleasant. God leaves the choice to us.

Challenge for Today: Keep what God says in His Word front and center in your life.

Quicklook: ConsequencesAmos 2:4–16