These few thoughts arose while reading 2 Chronicles 25:5-11.
The meditation was a blessing to me as I saw afresh the simple truth concerning BIBLICAL SEPARATION and its blessing and cost.
Am I wrong in thinking that a right view of this truth has been largely lost to this generation? I think not.
For that reason I trust that, simple as the study may be, it will prove useful to some.
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
BIBLICAL SEPARATION – an essential truth for a believer’s wellbeing
“Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and made them captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them from twenty years old and above, and found them three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield. He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver.
But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim. But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.
And Amaziah said to the man of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? And the man of God answered, The LORD is able to give thee much more than this. Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again: wherefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led forth his people, and went to the valley of salt, and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand,” 2 Chronicles 25:5-11.
Sadly, what is said of Amaziah in verse 2 of this chapter, is something that can be said of most, if not all, of us. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart.” How flawed we are at our best. We see this sad truth in David, in Solomon, in Jehoshaphat, in Peter and the other disciples, to name but a few of the examples set before us in the Bible.
A truthful survey of our own hearts will produce the confession: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
Bearing this mind, let us humbly learn from what is said in the verses at the head of this article regarding Amaziah’s experiences.
I. LET US SEE THE NATURAL THINKING OF THE HEART
“He hired also an hundred thousand mighty men of valour out of Israel for an hundred talents of silver,” verse 6.
He had “three hundred thousand choice men, able to go forth to war, that could handle spear and shield” (verse 5) of his own men but that was not deemed enough. Above this, he had the help of the Lord for such help is ever promised to those who serve and obey Him. “And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed,” Deuteronomy 31:8. (more…)
Given the paganism of this time of the year, I always like to bring a word of instruction to the boys and girls regarding what the Bible says about the birth of Christ.