“Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Jehoaddin from Jerusalem. 2 Amaziah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles25:1,2
“When King Amaziah returned from slaughtering the Edomites, he brought with him idols taken from the people of Seir. He set them up as his own gods, bowed down in front of them, and offered sacrifices to them! 15 This made the Lord very angry, and he sent a prophet to ask, “Why do you turn to gods who could not even save their own people from you?” 16 But the king interrupted him and said, “Since when have I made you the king’s counselor? Be quiet now before I have you killed!” So the prophet stopped with this warning: “I know that God has determined to destroy you because you have done this and have refused to accept my counsel.” 17 After consulting with his advisers, King Amaziah of Judah sent this challenge to Israel’s king Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz and grandson of Jehu: “Come and meet me in battle!””
2 Chronicles 25:14-17 NLT
Almighty and everlasting God,
What a small sentence that says so much. Verse 2 – but not wholeheartedly. Part of his heart was not given over to You God so when he took the people of Seir’s idols in battle he set them up rather than destroy them. There was a part of his heart that was still looking for something to worship other than You. He would not listen to Your prophet who risked giving a warning on his exit. Brave good man! How many good men and women have spoken out warnings at risk of rejection and discord. And there are still those imprisoned or martyred today in such places as North Korea, Yemen and Kyrgyzstan. Lord protect Your people.
Then not satisfied with offending You God, he turns on His estranged family in Israel. And he lost not just many of his army but they pulled down the walls of the Temple, took dedicated gold and silver from inside along with treasures and valuable hostages. And what did he gain? He was assassinated (2 Kings 14:19).
All because he did what was pleasing but not wholeheartedly? (with sincerity and commitment). My Lord God, I thank You that Your Holy Spirit is leading and teaching me where I may have chinks in my armour doubts in my head and questions I cannot answer. Your Spirit keeps me and holds me and I do not have to understand everything this side of heaven. I can never be perfect. My wholeheartedness and holiness is held together in You. And as we say in Your prayer Lord, forgive us our trespasses, give us this day our daily bread and deliver us from evil.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 6th July 2025
Here is where I lay it down
Every burden, every crown
This is my surrender
This is my surrender
Here is where I lay it down
Every lie and every doubt
This is my surrender
And I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to
I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to, oh
Repeat above . . .
Shake up the ground of all my tradition
Break down the walls of all my religion
Your way is better, Your way is better
Shake up the ground of all my tradition
Break down the walls of all my religion
Your way is better, Your way is better
Repeat . . .
And I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to
I will make room for You
To do whatever You want to
To do whatever You want to, oh
Here is where I lay it down
You are all I’m chasing now
This is my surrender
This is my surrender
Here is where I lay it down
You are all I’m chasing now
This is my surrender
This is my surrender
Lyrics: Community Music’s Lucas and Evelyn Cortazio, Josh Farro and Rebekah White.