Jesus welcomed the people, taught them about the Kingdom of God and healed those in need. Luke 9:11

Seeds of the Kingdom

The Importance of Wholeheartedness

by Peter Horrobin

26 October 2008

« Previous Day | Next Day »

Amaziah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.

Amaziah was a King whose reign was affected by mixture - the mixture of wanting to get it right by doing those things that would bless the Lord, but at the same time thinking that he also knew best and would choose to do things his way when it suited him. This is a recipe for disaster.

Wherever you find people in Scripture telling God that His ways are not the best ways, you will soon find that the end result is never good. Arrogance and pride are never a good substitute for humility and obedience. Verse 20 of this chapter says it very plainly, "Amaziah, however, would not listen".

The real issue for Amaziah was an unwillingness to come under authority. As King, he was in charge of the country and God was his ultimate authority. But in his pride he turned away from the Lord and eventually it cost him his life (verse 27). The rebellion at the root of his lack of wholeheartedness eventually destroyed him. Very few of us are in Amaziah's privileged position as an absolute King, with only God above us! But we are all accountable to God for our choices and to those God has put in authority over us.

A friend of mine once tried to tell the head of his Bible School what he believed God was asking him to do. He actually wanted to do what suited him! It was not a good plan and the Principal told him so. But my friend chose not to submit to the authority he was under. It was the worst decision he could have made and it very nearly cost him his life! God saved him from disaster in this case, but it was a much needed wake-up call from God. Humility and obedience, even sometimes when it doesn't seem to suit us, are vital characteristics of the life of a man or woman of God.

Prayer: Help me Lord to remember the lesson of Amaziah and choose to walk in humility and obedience before you all my days. In Jesus's name, Amen

Peter Horrobin is the Founding and International Director of Ellel Ministries. The work was originally established in 1986 as a ministry of healing in the north-west of England, but today the work has spread round the world, with Ellel Centres in over thirty nations. Peter has been doing lots of writing recently, including the "Journey to Life" series which can be purchased online at sovereignworld.com.

 

Sign Up Now

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.

Keziah is the heart-rending story as told by mother Lizzie during her forty-one-week pregnancy which ended tragically in her beautiful baby girl Keziah being stillborn. Lizzie has gracefully managed to capture this journey throughout the highs and the...
Following a life-changing accident, Lynda retells the dramatic story that led to the powerful ministry that amazed witnessing doctors. Her miraculous physical and emotional healing restored her to life and gave her back the hope of marriage and family....
Special Pack includes DVD 6-disc box set, 4x study...
Peter Horrobin uses real-life testimonies, parables and illustrations to unlock some of the most difficult theological and life issues that often make us stumble through our Christian walk. This 18-part DVD series is an inspirational whistle-stop tour...
These 365 devotional readings aim to help you on y...
The DVD series, together with this study guide and...
Faith that endures stands as the most comprehensive and authoritative guide on the persecuted Church today. Through true stories from the author’s many years of work, you will see how God is building His kingdom all around the world. And as you become...
130 daily teachings for a journey of radical and a...
This unique devotional book is written by Christians who have been persecuted. They encourage us as we share in the joy and delight of people who have experienced what persecution is and how God is very present when the going gets tough. Features more...
Exploring eight keys for discipleship makers, Mark...