What if you were told that there was an investment that had a guaranteed high-rate of return? Wouldn’t we all want to invest in something we knew would pay off and pay off big?! Aren’t we all looking for a “sure thing” in this vast world worth our commitment and involvement?
As I read the story of King Amaziah in 2 Chronicles 25:10, I see a wonderful lesson that can make a real difference in the lives of believers. I readily know the temptation to cut corners with the Lord when it comes to obedience. It can get daunting to squelch fleshly will and reasoning. It just seems too easy to use our own understanding as we perceive what is to be done in any particular situation. It takes effort to stop and consider what God would advise. And let’s be honest, sometimes I know what He would say and I really don’t want to hear that. I am wanting a different idea or answer. His ways often involve me having “faith” and all that kind of thing…….
Can’t we try an easier sure-fire thing this time? One that involves more flesh and blood and less hoping and believing?
But then I consider what that really means. I am either wanting what I can plan and produce or what God plans and produces. There is a vast difference between the two!
King Amaziah was faced with the same choice and even though he had already invested heavily into his own plan, he humbly submitted to the conviction of obedience- depending on the Lord rather than his purchased soldiers. As he became king, he set out to establish his kingdom. He took care of those who had murdered his father the king and then he began to organize his army. Seeing a need to build up his forces, he invested money in additional soldiers outside of his own nation of Judah. He enlisted the help from Israel, hiring a hundred thousand fighting men. This made up 25% of his army, as he had 300,000 ready for military service from his own people.
Israel was in trouble with the Lord because of their idolatry and He had withdrawn His blessing from them. So for Amaziah to seek help and support from them may have looked profitable from human reasoning, but from the Lord’s perspective, it was unacceptable. Why? Because God does not want us looking to those who are in rebellion against him for the help He wants to provide.
In reality, King Amaziah was trying to depend on what he could muster up and hire out. Instead of the “riskier” path of believing God could balance the scales against larger enemies, he chose to make up the difference himself through money and hired thugs. Hence, he was trying to fix his own problems instead of asking God for help or direction.
It says in verse 7-8 that a man of God came to him saying,” O King, these troops from Israel must not march with you, for the LORD is not with Israel- not with any of the people of Ephraim. Even if you go fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or overthrow.”
Well! That seems to say it all! Either I obey and God goes with me to help or I disobey and God goes to fight against me…….
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that equation out. But Amaziah being a practical, frugal man asks about the money he had already paid for the troops. He knew they would not give it back because he was the one breaking the deal. What he found out was some deals are worth breaking. Some investments are worth losing to receive greater gains from other investments.
Isn’t that what obedience is- an investment in our faith and in our future? We are “risking” doing what God says while denying what may seem more plausible or practical, at least in human reasoning. God’s economy does not work the same as man’s. And that is what the man of God explained in verse 9. When he was asked about the money already invested, he replied ” The LORD can give you much more than that.”
Simple equation. Simple math. Obey God and reap a greater reward. What better investment can there be?!
What is God directing you to do that seems impractical or self-denying? What is He asking you to give up in order to follow Him in obedience? Is it coveting a lifestyle you see others having? Is it bitterness toward others? Is it excessive time on your computer or phone? Is it socializing when you could be spending time with Him? Maybe He is asking that you stop having sex before marriage?
Whatever God is convicting you of, whatever you are doing that may be contrary to scripture, obedience to God is ALWAYS worth it. The Lord’s pay off in His purposes and plans for us cannot compare to the results of us living life by our own standards. Remember that He can be for us………or against us. He does not reward disobedience! You will never regret the rewards of following Him in accordance to His ways. It is the wisest investment you will ever make!
