Editor’s Note: AMI devotionals from August 31-Sept. 4 are written by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 King 15:1-5: In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. 2 He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 4 The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.5 The Lord afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house. Jotham the king’s son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.

While reading about Billy Graham’s grandson, a pastor, who recently resigned from his church after admitting an affair, I was reminded of “The Graham rule” in which the famed evangelist had vowed to never meet, eat, or travel with a woman alone. However, this sensible approach for married men—to avoid a potentially compromising situation—often isn’t so sensible to some women seeking to advance in the Christian ministry, because some men won’t meet with them one-on-one to talk about ministry-related projects and businesses.

So what does this have to do with Azariah? First, doesn’t it seem like this narrative is missing something? Why did God afflict a righteous king with leprosy—the most accursed disease–that led to a lengthy solitary confinement? For that, we need to rely on the Chronicler who noted the following about the king, a.k.a., Uzziah: first, “he sought God” (2 Chron. 27:5); second, “he had become very powerful” because his “well-trained army” (11) defeated all enemy nations; and third, through his innovative economic programs, Judah prospered greatly (9-10). So, what came of this? “After Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (16), which reached its apex when he “entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense” (16). By that action alone, Uzziah completely dissed God who allowed no one but the priests to enter the temple. And that’s when “the LORD had afflicted him” (20).

All social movements are a mixed bag: some have produced better results than others but none is beyond reproach—and that certainly includes the Women’s Rights movement. It is indeed a bad idea for married men to meet a woman alone, regardless of the gravity of the matter, for nothing positive will come out of this, eventually. So, I say to the naysayers to back off, but do bring a friend.

Men, if you ignore this warning, as if you think you’re stronger than the former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, who fell for a woman journalist interviewing him in his office, or a Mexican friend pastor who impregnated a woman he was counseling also in his office, I would say you are prideful—just like Uzziah was when he entered the temple. And remember: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Meet, yes—but never alone.

Prayer

Lord, please keep me from a prideful heart so that I won’t act like a fool. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may overcome alluring temptations. In fact, Lord, may you fill me with wisdom so that I may avoid potentially compromising situations where temptations await. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Numbers 12:1-10: Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. 5 And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. 6 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed. 10 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Eph. 4:15, 25: Rather, speaking the truth in love. . . . Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Question to Consider

1. What made it easier for Aaron and Miriam to become prideful and speak against Moses?
2. What are some qualities which Moses possessed that are highly valued by the LORD?
3. Some may use this event to say that no one should say anything against their spiritual leaders. Then what should we do when we don’t agree with our leaders?

Notes

1. Remembering that Moses was their younger brother, perhaps they momentarily gave into the thought that they were more mature than he. Of course, his marriage to a Gentile woman, which they thought was a mistake, may have made them feel morally superior over Moses, even though God was silent on this matter.
2. Meekness, faithfulness and a compassionate heart (as Moses earnestly asked God to heal his sister).
3. Whether we speak to leaders or those who serve under us about anything, including disagreements, we always put off falsehood (being fair and objective) and speak the truth in love (not to hurt or win but to settle for that which honors God and beneficial for everyone involved).

 Evening Reflection

Every day we are insulted by someone or we insult others—in varying degrees. So in looking back to today, how did you handle these situations? Did you hurl back when you felt insulted or did you enjoy insulting others? Be silent and ask the Lord to speak to you. Allow the Spirit to cleanse you of any bitterness and resentment. Ask God to give you a better day tomorrow.

Editor’s Note: AMI devotionals from August 31-Sept. 4 are written by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 King 14:23-29

In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, began to reign in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin. 25 He restored the border of Israel from Lebo-hamath as far as the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, which he spoke by his servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet, who was from Gath-hepher. 26 For the Lord saw that the affliction of Israel was very bitter, for there was none left, bond or free, and there was none to help Israel. 27 But the Lord had not said that he would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, so he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. 28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam and all that he did, and his might, how he fought, and how he restored Damascus and Hamath to Judah in Israel, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? 29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers . . .

Jeremiah (12:1) once complained to God, saying, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?” Perhaps, he thought of Jeroboam II whose penchant for evil rivaled that of his predecessor Jeroboam I who, to avoid losing his power, introduced a counterfeit religion to Israel (i.e., worshiping golden calves, non-levitical priesthood) “that led to . . . its destruction” (1 Ki. 13:34).  And for that, God rightfully punished him (14:10-13).

When compared to how God treated Jeroboam II, however, maybe Jeroboam I got a raw deal because God, instead of punishing Jeroboam II, blessed him like no other kings before or after him.  Under his regime, Israel enlarged its territory like never before, extending its border as far as the Sea of Arabah near Jordon and Damascus.  And according to Amos (1:1) who prophesied during this period, it was a time of unprecedented economic prosperity.  People had winter as well as summer mansions adorned with ivory (3:15); they “dine[d] on choice lambs and fattened calves” (6:4). As for the king himself, unlike other evil kings who suffered a tragic ending, he died peacefully (2 Ki. 14:29).

So, why did God bless Jeroboam II and Israel despite their continued rebellion?  He was calling them to repent!  Now, this may come as a surprise to those who equate God’s call to repentance to warnings of dire consequences if not complied to.  While that is not untrue, we mustn’t forget that God is always “kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Lk. 6:35), thereby giving them an opportunity to experience His unmerited favor (i.e., grace) that would elicit the kind of response the fisherman Peter had upon realizing that the man responsible for his large haul of fish was the Christ: “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (5:8).

Unfortunately, Israel’s response was just the opposite: Thinking that they deserved everything they got, they fell into pride and callousness.  And that’s when God came with a sword: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his fortresses; I will deliver up the city and everything in it” (Amos 6:8).

One word of advice: Respond to God when He is being “nice” to us!  Repent. Today.

Prayer

God, how awesome it is to be given this privilege of knowing and worshiping You.  How amazing it is that You show the best of Your grace when I deserve it the least.  I am in awe of your unfathomable ways in which You continue to favor me on account of your Son Jesus Christ.  Thank you.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 2:3-4: Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

2 Cor. 6:1: Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

Jude 1:4: For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

Question to Consider

1. What is the spiritual logic behind God’s kindness leading us to repentance?
2. Describe what God was doing for Jereboam II and Israel by blessing them in accordance to Romans 2:3-4?
3. What is the worst thing we can do with God’s grace? How are you handling it at the moment?

Notes

1. When we do wrong, our conscience (unless it has been desensitized) is bothered and we expect to be caught and then punished. Let’s assume that a policeman stopped you for a traffic violation.  But instead of issuing the ticket, he gives you a pep talk about safe driving and a piece of bubble gum to boot—now, that’s kindness!  And when the officer is leaving and says, “Drive safely,” we say, “Yes sir!”
2. God was forbearing, being kind and patient with Jeroboam II and Israel so that they would repent.
3. The worst thing we can do with God’s grace is to receive it in vain and then abuse it with this type of thinking: “Since He is not willing to punish me for my sins, I’m going to continue in them.” Don’t forget: “You may be sure that sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23).

 Evening Reflection

In the same way that fish may not be conscious of water that surrounds it, we may not be all that conscious of God’s grace and mercy which we receive from Him daily.  Look back to this day and recall the times when it was evident that God was being gracious and merciful to you.  Thank Him.

Editor’s Note: AMI devotionals from August 31-Sept. 4 are written by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 King 14:8-14

Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us look one another in the face.” 9 And Jehoash king of Israel sent word to Amaziah king of Judah, “A thistle on Lebanon sent to a cedar on Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son for a wife,’ and a wild beast of Lebanon passed by and trampled down the thistle. 10 You have indeed struck down Edom, and your heart has lifted you up. Be content with your glory, and stay at home, for why should you provoke trouble so that you fall, you and Judah with you?” 11 But Amaziah would not listen. So Jehoash king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah king of Judah faced one another in battle at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 12 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his home. 13 And Jehoash king of Israel captured Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, son of Ahaziah, at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem for four hundred cubits, from the Ephraim Gate to the Corner Gate. 14 And he seized all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house, also hostages, and he returned to Samaria.

A hungry python, upon seeing a large porcupine, ate it—but later died because he couldn’t digest its final meal.  Since the snake had probably eaten bigger preys before, he didn’t think much of swallowing the porcupine, not realizing that this one came with quills that would lodge inside the digestive tract. Ouch!

Likewise, King Amaziah of Judah felt unstoppable and invincible after knocking off “ten thousand Edomites . . . and captur[ing] Sela in battle” (v. 7).  Then, brimming with confidence, he challenged Jehoash, the king of Israel, who responded, in effect: “Enjoy your little victories but don’t bark up the wrong tree.”   But Amaziah didn’t back off— he should have because Jehoash finished him off in the first round.  The victor then bullied his way into Jerusalem and took “everything but the kitchen sink.”  In the end, both the python and Amaziah dearly paid for having bitten off more than they could chew.

We love slogans that imbue confidence such as “the sky is the limit” or “I can do anything if I put my mind to it.”  But God’s word is more measured, for Romans 12:3 states: “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”  In short, recognize your God-given limits and don’t overestimate your ability.

Our tendency, however, is to set limits for ourselves without even trying to find out the talents and gifts God has given us.  A while back, a young woman aspiring to be a writer spoke to me about something I had written for Korea Times newspaper.  At that time she was writing technical manuals, a job she disliked, and when I exhorted her to work on stories that could be published locally, she said, “I’m afraid of being rejected.”

While we shouldn’t bite off more than we can chew, we should certainly chew all that we can— meaning, we ought to diligently develop all that God has given us to serve the body.  As we get better at it and people appreciate our effort, we should be content that unbelievers are finding Christ and the believers growing spiritually.

Prayer

Lord, how great is thy Name and how wonderful are thy works! God, show me my limits, weaknesses and inadequacies; then show me Your infinity, strength, and adequacy.  Give me wisdom to rely on You and not on myself to live this life to the glory of your Son Jesus Christ.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 19:13-16: Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

Matt. 20:21-22: Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.” 22 Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am to drink?” They said to him, “We are able.” 23 He said to them, “You will drink my cup, but to sit at my right hand and at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

2 Thess. 3:10: If a man will not work, he shall not eat.

Question to Consider

1. How are the sons of Sceva similar to King Amaziah and the python? What did they fail to understand?
2. How are the sons of Zebedee similar to King Amaziah and the python? What did they fail to understand?
3. What is often the problem for many people who want something but end up biting more than they can chew?

Notes

1. I suppose casting out evil spirits from demonized people looked easy to the sons of Sceva and impressive as well; therefore, they simply imitated what others did to their great embarrassment. They didn’t take the time to understand the spiritual dimension involved in doing something like this such as praying, holiness, authority of Christ, etc.
2. The sons of Zebedee, clueless about what kind of kingdom Jesus was about to establish, took it for granted that they were the best administrators in what they thought was a literal kingdom of Israel. They, no doubt, thought that whatever the cup represented was something they could easily handle; little did they know that it was going to bring martyrdom (James would die young) and exile (John to Patmos).
3. Many of us aren’t willing to work hard to be able to do God’s work—we want everything to come easy. Yes, it is by grace and the Spirit but there are plenty of things we need to do—like developing a habit of prayer, depositing God’s words into our minds, understanding the spiritual authority in Christ, learning a new language well if you are a missionary, etc.

 Evening Reflection

How is your self-esteem?  Is it based on impressing people with your ability or commitment?  One reason we bite more than we can chew is to impress people as a way of dealing with our insecurity.  How did you fare today?  Did you engage in self-boasting or exaggerating your glorious past?  Our security comes from our deep relationship with God in which we sense our worth in God’s infinite love toward us expressed through putting His own Son on the cross to redeem us.

Editor’s Note: AMI devotionals from August 31-Sept. 4 are written by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 King 14:1-7

In the second year of Joash the son of Joahaz, king of Israel, Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jehoaddin of Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet not like David his father. He did in all things as Joash his father had done. 4 But the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places. 5 And as soon as the royal power was firmly in his hand, he struck down his servants who had struck down the king his father. 6 But he did not put to death the children of the murderers, according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, where the Lord commanded, “Fathers shall not be put to death because of their children, nor shall children be put to death because of their fathers. But each one shall die for his own sin.”

Looking back at my late-father, he was a lot better man than what I thought as an immature teenager; but sometimes, I harbored resentment because of his temper.  Perhaps due to his long military career, he was impatient with those whose action or speech was objectionable to him.  Sadly and deservedly, I got the brunt end of this because of many dumb things I did.  And I remember murmuring to myself more than once, “I will not be like him.”  That is why 2 Kings 14:3 caught by attention: “[Amaziah] did in all things as Joash his father had done.”  I regretfully admit that I’ve been temperamental with my family one too many times.  So, have I done as my father had done?

Most kings of Israel, such as Ahab and Manasseh, were bad apples; but  other kings, like Asa and Uzziah, were a mixed bag—they began well but ended quite badly.  This would include Joash who was faithful to God—even repairing the temple—as long as Jehoiada, his mentor, was alive; but after his death Joash turned so wicked that he murdered Jehoiada’s son for speaking out against him (2 Chron. 24:21).  Joash would suffer the same fate.  Amaziah, who had a front row view to all this, certainly was influenced by his father.  As was Joash, Amaziah was a mixed bag of some good and bad, even mirroring his father in his own tragic death (v. 19).

So, how much did Joash influence Amaziah?  I think this is where our probe should stop, because parents get too much credit when kids turn out “well” but get buried when they don’t.

Certainly, my father affected me, and maybe, we share predispositional traits that make us more susceptible to being temperamental.  Nevertheless, I, as a believer in whom dwell God’s word and the Spirit, and surrounded by a supportive community, can always choose not to give into my weakness.

The fact is, most parents are a mix-bag—we do our best but it really isn’t good enough to guarantee anything.  So we fall on our knees and cry for mercy for our children.  Then we get up and “follow the example of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1).  When we fail, we ask for forgiveness and try again!

Prayer

Lord, let my children follow only my good examples, and reject the bad ones.  May they follow the examples of Christ.  Oh God, may my children surpass me in every aspect, particularly their love and devotion to You.  Thank You.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Ezekiel 18:14-20: Now suppose this man fathers a son who sees all the sins that his father has done; he sees, and does not do likewise: 15 he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife, 16 does not oppress anyone, exacts no pledge, commits no robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, 17 withholds his hand from iniquity, takes no interest or profit, obeys my rules, and walks in my statutes; he shall not die for his father’s iniquity; he shall surely live. 18 As for his father, because he practiced extortion, robbed his brother, and did what is not good among his people, behold, he shall die for his iniquity. 19 “Yet you say, ‘Why should not the son suffer for the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is just and right, and has been careful to observe all my statutes, he shall surely live. 20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

2 Cor. 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Rom. 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Question to Consider

1. What does this passage assume about the influence of fathers over their sons?
2. Breaking away from a bad influence is never easy; we often end up making the same mistakes that we saw growing up. How can we break away from this?
3. In what sense can this be an encouragement to discouraged parents who have made their share of mistakes while raising children?

Notes

1. In short, the parental influence is not deterministic; that is, just because parents were ungodly and unrighteous doesn’t mean that their offspring has no choice but to mirror their parents.
2. Of course, negative influence is everywhere, including the home, but God-given free will under the empowerment of the Spirit that regenerates and transform us in Christ can overcome it. This doesn’t mean that we will bat 1.000, but it does mean that we can have a fruitful and meaningful existence here on earth.
3. Many parents live with guilt and many regrets. But our children are one-turning-to-God away from becoming a righteous, kind and just son or daughter as described by Ezekiel.  It is never too late.  Once we become Christians, parent should set better examples, admit our fault when in the wrong to our children, then pray without ceasing for them.

 Evening Reflection

Even if you are not a parent, we all have parents.  And others are parents, perhaps for a long time.  What is one thing you can do for your parents that will help them to know God better?  What is one thing you can do for your child that can help him or her to love God.  Do it tomorrow.  For now, pray for strength to carry that out in love.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 24-30 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 13:18-19: “Then he said, ‘Take the arrows,’ and the king took them.  Elisha told him, ‘Strike the ground.’ He struck it three times and stopped.  The man of God was angry with him and said, ‘You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it.  But now you will defeat it only three times.’”

When two people are on the same wavelength, communication doesn’t happen in so many words.  It’s almost not even communication; they’re just thinking the same way.  We see this happen particularly among awesome teams playing Pictionary or Guesstures: They draw one line and their team guesses “Flagpole!”, make one motion and it’s “Periscope!”  We think, How do they do that?” since not much communication seemed to have taken place. But what is actually happening is a history of relationship coming into play–all the shared experiences, inside jokes –and at a critical moment, it all comes together.

In the passage above we can imagine the king saying, “Why didn’t you tell me it took five or six times?”  He seems to have a point.  How could Elisha expect the king to know?  This wasn’t something you asked someone to do every day; there was no precedent to go by.  Elisha would have had no grounds to reply, “Who strikes the ground only three times and stops?”  Yet somehow he had just expected the king to know.

Earlier we see that the king probably didn’t have the greatest relationship with God (v.11) – most likely no regular communication or life experiences where he got a sense of who God was, how God spoke to him, how He worked in certain situations, and what were His ways.  He had no experiential knowledge of God.  Neither would Bible knowledge have helped the king to know how many times was enough.  The culmination of a history of doing what was right in God’s eyes—this was what had been required at that moment. But he couldn’t sense the Spirit’s nudging, “Keep striking the ground, keep striking . . . no, not yet, don’t stop, yet,” because he hadn’t had a regular practice of listening and obeying. And in the end, he could not fully step into God’s true desire for him and the nation, which was the complete and total victory over Aram (v.17).

Directions for how to handle many things we face in life are not spelled out explicitly in the Bible, and often when God asks us to do something rather big, there are no precedents.  Yet if we’ve cultivated our relationship with God, when the moment comes, we’ll find that we’ll know just what is required.  It will be because we’re in tune with Him, because hearing His voice and responding to it in obedience has become a habit of ours—almost reflex.  So take heart and continue to make building your relationship with God the highest priority; at a critical moment, it is what will help you make the right choice and step into all that He has for you.

Prayer: Lord, I determine to make You my highest priority in life.  Even though I may be busy, help me to persevere in building my relationship with You by having a regular time of reading Your word, praying, and obeying Your voice. And give me wisdom to make the choices that honor You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 7

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 24-30 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 13:14: “Now Elisha was suffering from the illness from which he died.  Jehoash king of Israel went down to see him and wept over him.  ‘My father!  My father!’ he cried.  ‘The chariots and horsemen of Israel!’”

2 Kings 6:15-17: “. . . an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city . . . ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.’ Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Chariots of Fire is one of my favorite movies of all time.  I remember first watching it on video and having to turn on the close captioning because I couldn’t understand the dialogue half the time because of their British accents.  I loved the line, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure,” and how he was handed a prophetic word before he ran that fateful race, “The man who honors me, I will honor.”  I remember my cross country friends in high school putting the theme song on their running mixes and listening to it on their walkmans when they had beach workouts.  It was a great movie.

I knew the title was a biblical reference, but I was never that clear nor especially curious about its significance.  Now that I think about it, though, it seems rather simple after all.  Chariots of fire are not man-made chariots.  They are heavenly, God-made chariots.  It refers to how victory lies in having God fight our battles, and that He can, and often does, fight on behalf of His people to enable them to achieve amazing victories against all odds.

When Jehoash was king of Israel, the actual chariots and horsemen he had were pitifully few.  2 Kings 13:7 suggests that the army he inherited from his father was around ten chariots, fifty horsemen and ten thousand foot soldiers.  Yet God had listened to his father’s cry for favor, and He was preparing to deliver Israel from the hands of a much greater army.  Jehoash, knowing it was impossible on their own strength, seeks Elisha’s help and addresses him as “the chariots and horsemen of Israel” in recognition of the fact that the prophet, representing access to God, was where Israel’s true hope and strength lay.

Jehoash was not a model king; he did evil in the eyes of the LORD.  We don’t know with what true motives he went to seek Elisha, but one thing he did get right was that he knew where Israel’s help came from.  What about us today?  Are we willing to seek God’s help or are we still trying to manage with our ten chariots and fifty horsemen?  Having our eyes opened and seeing how many are the chariots of fire all around us, are we emboldened to go forth and fight His battles without fear of the enemy?

Prayer:  Lord, open the eyes of my heart to see that you are the source of my hope and strength.  Help me to see that apart from You, I can do nothing significant for the kingdom, but when You are the One fighting the battle, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 5-6

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 24-30 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 13:4-5:  Then Jehoahaz sought the LORD’s favor, and the LORD listened to him, for he saw how severely the king of Aram was oppressing Israel. The LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, and they escaped from the power of Aram.

Jehoahaz had been leading the nation in evil practices, and the oppression was a situation allowed by God because of their disobedience (vv. 2-3). So God had no particular reason to grant His favor when Jehoahaz sought it; they had done nothing to earn or deserve it. And yet He granted it all the same.

What does favor look like? I was once on a flight where the attendants were especially attentive to me but seemed almost to not even see the person sitting next to me. When there was only one blanket left, I got the last one and he had to go without. When there was a last cup of water on the tray, they offered it to me and then actually skipped him when they came back to finish passing out the water, starting the row behind us. When they accidentally spilled Coke on the one blanket left that I had been using, they somehow found a magic cupboard on the plane where there was another blanket after all. I was so favored that I could get a second blanket even when theoretically there should have been no more blankets. Technically, if they had found it earlier, this would have been his blanket. I’d never met these attendants before in my life; there was no reason for them to be nicer to me than the person sitting next to me. And yet it felt like such a clear distinction was being made between the two of us; one favored, the other not—at least in my mind as I was having this personal little mini-epiphany (to his credit, the person sitting next to me didn’t seem to be feeling particularly slighted). But through this experience, God was speaking to me.

For no particular reason, other than that He has chosen us, He hears us when we cry. No matter how wicked or rebellious we have been up to that point, when we repent and turn to Him, He looks on us with mercy in His eyes and delivers us from our self-inflicted misery. This is our God.

Prayer 

Lord, I am humbled when I think of how You’ve chosen me. And yet how I wish that others around me could also experience Your kindness. Would you have mercy and deliver them, too? In Jesus’ name I pray.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 9:1-3: I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— 2 I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people . . ..

Questions to Consider 

1. What does Paul (the author) feel when he thinks about his people (v. 2)?
2. Why is his heart so troubled (v. 3)?
3. What heart does his “almost” wish express (v. 3)? How do we feel when we think about people close to us who don’t know Christ?

Notes 

1. He feels great sorrow, continually conflicted within, and great burden.
2. His people are cursed and cut off from Christ because they have rejected the gospel.
3. How much he wants to share Christ with his people; how not content he is just to be saved himself. Like a child who’s received a special treat but wants so much for his brothers and sisters to have it, too, he’s almost willing to give his own away; but if he did, it would defeat the purpose as his desire is that they all share in this same wonderful experience together.

 Evening Reflection

What evidences were there of God’s favor in my life today? Was I able to share it with any others? Take a moment to pray for those you’d most like to share this Christian life with.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 24-30 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 12:13-16:  The money brought into the temple was not spent for making silver basins . . . it was paid to the workmen, who used it to repair the temple . . . The money from the guilt offerings and sin offerings was not brought into the temple of the LORD; it belonged to the priests.

With all the financial scandals that abound in both secular and Christian circles today, it is natural for people to want an honest, straightforward accounting of how organizational funds are used.  It seems the people of King Joash’s day were no different.  From the careful reporting of what funds went where, what they were spent on and not spent on, it seems the author is addressing concerns people may have had regarding how their offerings were put to use.

In general, we hold those who manage our finances to a high standard of accountability.  When the financial reports are given, we examine them carefully to see whether the funds have been spent wisely; we check to see whether there are any glaring inconsistencies.  Yet have you ever thought to turn that same high standard of accountability on our own selves?  Have we ever thought about how one day God would be examining our financial report to him and asking us those same tough questions that we ask of our church treasurers?

The finances that He has given us to steward towards specific projects that build up His house and kingdom, are we releasing them in a timely manner?  Or are they sitting idle in our bank accounts (not from wise saving but rather fear of not having enough or laziness in allocating), preventing His work from moving forward?  Are the funds getting redirected towards other, less essential projects as we’ve got distracted from the task at hand?  Or are we putting them to use – paying his workers, purchasing the materials (vv. 11-12) needed to build His kingdom here on earth?

Perhaps our mismanagement is not intentional, just as the priests may not have been grossly misusing the funds during the time the temple repairs were at a standstill.  Perhaps they were simply saving the funds or using them towards other temple administrative needs.  But they had lost sight of the main task at hand.  In King Joash’s days, the priority was to repair the damaged temple.  What is it that we are supposed to be focused on today?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for entrusting me with more than just what it takes for me to have my daily bread.  Help me to be a good steward, not passive when it comes to spending to build your kingdom.  I want to be able to present to you a financial report that pleases You.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 19:12-13, 15, 20: He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’ . . . 15 He was made king . . . and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it . . . . 20 Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.’”

Questions to Consider

1. What did the master expect his servants to do with the money he gave them (v.13)?
2. What did the master do when he returned (v.15)?
3. The servant who returned his master’s one mina to him, had he done anything wrong (v.20)? If Jesus returned today and asked for an account of your stewardship, what would your report look like?

Notes

1. Put it to work. Make use of it.
2. He asked his servants to give an account of the money he had given them. God will indeed one day ask us to give an account; this theme appears often throughout the Gospels.
3. Though he had not lost his master’s money, the instructions had been for him to put the money to work. By letting it sit idle, he had disobeyed.  In your personal stewardship review, are there any resources of God that are sitting idle that need to be put to use?

 Evening Reflection

How did I invest God’s resources today?  The time He gave me?  The energy or money?  Though we won’t be asked to give a final account until the end of our lives, it’s good to review along the way to make sure we’re on track.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 24-30 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 12:4-6:  Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money that is brought as sacred offerings to the temple of the LORD . . . Let every priest receive the money from one of the treasurers, and let it be used to repair whatever damage is found in the temple.”  But by the twenty-third year of King Joash the priests still had not repaired the temple.

Why had the priests failed to repair the temple?  Was it because of corruption or faulty spirituality?  Jehoiada, the leader of the priests at that time, instructed the king to do what was right in the eyes of the LORD (v. 2).  Was it because of a lack of organizational ability?  This was the same priest who had mobilized the nation’s leaders to execute the successful coup that put Joash on the throne.  In verse 8 is a suggestion of where the problem lay: “The priests agreed . . . that they would not repair the temple themselves.”  Both the priests and king had perhaps been thinking that only the priests were qualified to do this job when in actuality, it could only get done when they began involving others.

Sometimes we can keep looking to the same people to do everything because they seem like the best candidates.  When I was a high school English teacher, I worked with two student leaders on the school newspaper.  They were great, but because they were so great, they were also on the “most wanted” list for multiple other clubs on campus.  While this would look great on their college applications, it wasn’t the healthiest way for the school community to run.  They fulfilled their responsibilities for the paper, but just barely. And I can’t help but think how it would have been better if other students were involved who may not have been as obvious choices but who would have been devoted and able to contribute more than “just barely”—with the end result being a better paper.

Is there anything you’ve been trying to do yourself but find that it isn’t getting done?  Perhaps you need to admit your limitations, let go, and invite others to get involved.  Do you see something not getting done that is frustrating you?  Perhaps you need to offer to help out because those who are trying to do it themselves can’t do it alone.

Prayer

Lord, there are things, not only in my personal life but for Your greater kingdom purposes, that need to get done.  Help me to see my role, what I need to do (or let others do).  Thank you for the body of Christ, for we are in this together and none of us bears the responsibility alone.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 6:3, 7: 3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.  We will turn this responsibility over to them . . . 7 So the word of God spread.  The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Questions to Consider

1. How is the situation in this passage (early church) similar to that of King Joash’s time we read about this morning (v. 3)?
2. How are the people who were to receive this responsibility described (v. 3)?
3. What was the result of responsibility being turned over to others (v. 7)? How do these verses challenge or encourage you in terms of your service to the Lord?

Notes

1. There was a group of people who needed to turn a responsibility over to others.
2. The community recognized them as being filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom.
3. The kingdom of God continued to advance. When I am asked to take on a responsibility, it means that someone sees me, to some extent, as being wise and Spirit-filled.  And when I take on a responsibility, it contributes to the advancing of God’s kingdom—meaning, my service is significant.

 Evening Reflection

As we reflect on the ways we are currently serving the Lord or considering getting involved, let’s take a moment to thank the Lord for the awesome privilege of being able to contribute to his kingdom work, of more people coming to know his love, more people being set free to truly live.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from August 24-30 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 11:14:  She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets.  Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, “Treason! Treason!”

When King Joash at age seven retakes his rightful place on his father’s throne, the people of the land were rejoicing, but Athaliah cried out, “Treason!”

That she is calling this situation “treason” is so ironic because it was she who had actually committed treason when she murdered all the possible heirs she could find and seized the throne for herself six years prior.  And yet she had come to believe that she was the rightful ruler of the land and that all these others were currently in the wrong.  She was deluded and deceived.

It is a sad story, but could it be that we are sometimes the same?  Getting upset at what is happening to us and blaming others, not being able to see that we are the ones who are actually in the wrong?

The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful above all things, and each of us is susceptible to self-deception.  Do we have someone in our lives before whom we can humble ourselves and ask whether they see anything gone awry, either in our lives or the way we see the world?

Prayer

Dear Lord, help me to see things as You do, properly and not distortedly.  Help me not to be deceived about who I am and what I’ve done; I don’t want to be deluded.  If there is any area in which I am in the wrong, help me to see it clearly and repent.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Jeremiah 17:9-11: The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?  10 ‘I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.’  11 Like a partridge that hatches eggs it did not lay is the man who gains riches by unjust means.  When his life is half gone, they will desert him, and in the end he will prove to be a fool.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the answer to the problem of a deceitful heart? If we can’t trust our own hearts, who can we trust (v. 10)?
2. How does God reward a person’s actions (v. 10)?
3. What happens to the person who “gains riches by unjust means” (v. 11)? What warning or comfort does this truth bring to us?

Notes

1. Though our very own hearts can deceive us, God cannot be deceived. We can trust Him to judge rightly and should turn to Him.
2. God examines that person’s heart and mind—their true motives. God also rewards us fairly, according to what we deserve.
3. The riches will not stay with him (just as Athaliah who seized power by unjust means lost it in the end). We are to be careful to live right lives and can even take comfort in the face of injustice done to us, knowing that God will bring about justice in the end.

 Evening Reflection

Was there a situation today in which I was tempted to blame others?  Did I ask God to shine His light into that situation and check my heart to make sure there wasn’t any wrongdoing on my part that I needed to address instead?