II Chronicles 25:15 “Wherefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?”
It is frustrating to buy into something that does not deliver. Perhaps you buy the newest model of truck with all the bells and whistles, only to find it cannot pull the heavy load that you need. There are some domestic jobs that can be just as frustrating when the equipment does not “deliver.” No item in my home can frustrate me more than a vacuum that doesn’t pick up dirt or an iron that doesn’t iron out wrinkles!
In much the same way, thousands of people today will seek after gods that do not deliver. This amazing story of King Amaziah in II Chronicles 25 defies all logic. He defeated the Edomites, but then “he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.” (verse 14) Amaziah knew God (verse 2), but he stole the gods of the people he just conquered and made them his gods! Let me ask you a few questions: Did the gods he stole hear the people that prayed to them? Did the gods care about the people? Did the gods deliver them from the armies of Judah? The answer to all of these questions is, No!
Instead of showing how great your God is, you can-like Amaziah-take gods that can not deliver. One example is the “god” of money. You might hear yourself think or say, “If I only had this thing, then I would . . .” Many people “spin their wheels,” vainly seeking after a god that does not deliver. You cannot see God when you are serving other gods. God is a God that delivers.
God sent a prophet to confront Amaziah, but he would not hear the prophet. The king said, “Forbear,” which means, “Be quiet.” After that, Amaziah never heard from God again. Verse 20 says, “But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.” In the end, he lost what little he had (verse 24) because he did not follow God.
Do you know God? Are you seeking fulfillment from “gods” that cannot deliver. May the sad example of Amaziah be a reminder to us today of the gods which cannot deliver.
Prayer Requests:
1. Protection and provision for staff
2. Salvation of unsaved teen, junior, and Deaf campers
Camp Quotes:
Regarding surrender . . . “Christ did not save you in order to go 50%-50% with you.”
-Pastor Jon Stone