Today’s Readings: 2 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 25, Psalm 53, Matthew 12
In today’s scriptures, we read about a King who, despite warnings by friends, family, and others who knew him, decided not to follow God’s way. In both 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, you read about Kings who followed the Lord’s ways and those who didn’t. You will then read what happened when they did or didn’t. King Amaziah from 2 Chronicles had me reflecting today.
He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.
In Psalm 53, we read about those who decided not to believe in God, that the world was just theirs, and that they could do what they wanted. Psalm 53 shares the corruption that follows and, ultimately, the judgment from there.
The fool says in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile;
there is no one who does good.
Lastly, in Matthew 2 we read about the Pharisees who didn’t want to believe in Jesus. The Pharisees loved the attention and control they had and didn’t want others to follow Jesus and not them. The Pharisees, with hardened hearts, demanded signs and would use blasphemy to try to get others to not believe in Him.
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”
Reflecting on the readings today, I think about how I see Jesus. How does my life reflect what He has called me to. Do I ever fall into the same spaces as some Kings or Pharisees?
Am I wholeheartedly following Him?
Lord, Help us to believe in our unbelief. Help us not to let this world, which lifts us up or glamorizes worldly things, impact our thoughts, minds, or actions, which vary from Your Truth. We need to believe and trust in Your power and daily plans for our lives. Help us to each day seek You and not live our lives trying to please both worlds. Lord, You have shown us the way by sending Your Son Jesus to live a life we can spur each other on each day to believe and follow. Help us to do that. We need You! Amen
23 Jesus said to him, “If[a] you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Have a blessed day!