So Much More

By Alex Watt....

2 Chronicles 25:9-10 “Amaziah asked the man of God, ‘But what about the hundred talents I paid for these Israelite troops?’ The man of God replied, ‘The Lord can give you much more than that.’ So Amaziah dismissed the troops who had come to him from Ephraim and sent them home. They were furious with Judah and left for home in a great rage.”

Amaziah was going to war and had taken a census of all able-bodied men that could fight. The numbers didn’t look promising compared with those of neighboring nations. In true human fashion, Amaziah sought out military help. The only issue is that he had sought help in the wrong places.

The nation of Judah, under Amaziah's kingship, always experienced periods of success and victory when it followed the Lord. And in contrast, every time they turned their backs on Him, defeat soon followed. Instead of allowing God to show His power through a victory, Amaziah took matters into his own hands by assembling an army.

Now this doesn’t seem wrong to you or me today. If we were to go to war, we would likely try to rally together an army to defend and protect us. But is that what the Lord calls us to do?

Let’s look at another example: during the working years for most adults, the need and pressure to fill a retirement and savings account is insurmountable. There are tons of self-help or get-rich-quick books about how to save money to yield the highest interest or buy and sell stocks so that you have plenty of money for you to one day use. And while I don’t think the Lord is totally against you saving money, what happens when saving money prohibits us from kingdom work?

This sounds a bit extreme, I'm aware. But what if the kingdom work you’re called to do involves spending a good portion of your savings? Are you willing to trust the Lord and His guidance? That He will return to you tenfold?

Because that’s where Amaziah finds himself after a warning from God’s prophet. The prophet comes in good faith to warn Amaziah to tell the Israelites to return home, yet they have already been paid. The money of Judah cannot be refunded. Understandably, Amaziah is concerned about the lost funds.

And the prophet's profound response has resonated with me. “The Lord can give you much more than that.”   (v.9)

Amaziah makes the right call. He sends the Israelites home and finds victory in his battle. But will you and I do the same? Do you believe that the Lord will give you much more than He is asking you to give?

Because there is a difference between believing in God’s existence and believing that God will do what He has promised.

It is my prayer for you today that you will step out in faith to do the kingdom work set before you and trust that the Lord will provide for you.