Day 172 - Awestruck by God's Power (2 Kings 13-15 2 Chronicles 25-26, Jonah 1-4) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• 2 Kings 13-15 2 Chronicles 25-26, Jonah 1-4

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Awestuck

We begin with King Amaziah of Judah, who started his reign at 25 and ruled for 29 years. Amaziah initially followed God's ways but failed to eradicate idolatry from the land altogether. He achieved military victories, such as defeating the Edomites and capturing Petra. However, after bringing home idols and worshipping them, God sent a prophet to question his actions.

Amaziah's pride led him to provoke Jehoash, king of Israel, resulting in a disastrous defeat for Judah. This loss included the destruction of Jerusalem's walls and the loss of treasures from the royal palace. Amaziah's reign ended in assassination, leading to his son Azariah (Uzziah) taking the throne at 16. Uzziah ruled for 52 years, achieving military victories and strengthening Jerusalem's defenses because he sought God.

However, Uzziah's pride led to his downfall. He unlawfully entered the temple to burn incense, and God struck him with leprosy, which afflicted him until his death.

Jonah first appears during Jeroboam II's reign, prophesying the restoration of Israel's boundaries. But in the Book of Jonah, God commands him to go to Nineveh and rebuke their wickedness. Jonah's reluctance and subsequent flight lead to a storm, his being thrown overboard and swallowed by a large fish. After three days, Jonah prays and is delivered.

Jonah obeys God's command to go to Nineveh, proclaiming its impending destruction. The people, including the king, repent, leading God to spare the city. Upset by God's mercy, Jonah experiences God's lesson in compassion through a plant that provides him shade and then dies.

The pagan sailors, who didn't know the One actual Creator, were amazed by God's power. Jonah, chosen by God, was bitter and wanted to die.

Today's readings contrast the limits of human actions with God's limitless love and mercy. Despite the continual sin and partial obedience of Israel’s kings, God's compassion endures, rooted in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His promises tempered His anger, showing that while human actions may be flawed and limited, God's faithfulness remains steadfast.

Joash and Jehoahaz had opportunities to turn to God entirely, but their limited commitments led to partial victories and continued struggles. This serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. The story of Elisha and Joash emphasizes how limited actions can affect the extent of God’s blessings and victories in our lives.

Jonah and Uzziah's stories highlight the consequences of pride and disobedience. Jonah resisted God's call due to personal prejudice, while Uzziah's pride led to his downfall. Both experienced God's power in ways they didn't desire. However, their stories remind us to be awestruck by God's work and give Him glory.

Jonah was shocked by the whale, and Uzziah was amazed by his leprosy. They saw God's power but not in the ways they wanted. A better choice is to join God in His work and give Him glory for His accomplishments.

Let’s cultivate deep, personal devotion to God, allowing His word to guide our actions, recognize our human limitations, and lean into God's limitless grace and mercy. Trust that when we turn to Him, He will show up, ready to restore and bless us beyond our limitations.

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