Daily Reading
Daily Thought
It is sad when you hear something good, then it’s followed by a “but.” Three chapters, three kings in a row, each began well, “but.” King Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest (2Chronicles 24:2), but then Jehoiada died, “and they abandoned the house of the Lord” (2Chronicles 24:18). King Amaziah, “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, yet (same as a “but”) not with a whole heart” (2Chronicles 25:2).
The third one is King Uzziah who “set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah” (2Chronicles 26:5). Zechariah instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as Uzziah sought the Lord, he prospered. Uzziah’s name means “My strength is the Lord,” and from that strength came success. Enemies were conquered, the army grew strong, the walls of the city were fortified, the land was replenished and the people were well fed. Uzziah’s name became famous among the nations, “but (there’s that word) when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction” (2Chronicles 26:16). Uzziah’s strength became himself and his name lost its meaning.
Humanity’s first sin is pride, to be like God, without first knowing what God is like. Jesus Christ, the King of kings, “being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped; rather, he made himself nothing” (Philippians 2:6-7). Jesus chose the path of humility. He said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). And when faced with the ultimate cross, Jesus said, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). That’s where your “but” belongs.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father, may I be a reflection of You in this world, which means may I live like Jesus. In humility, I will serve others, considering them before myself. Keep reminding me that You are my strength. I too easily forget. Restore me, O God, when I fail, but even more, guard my heart when I succeed.
When I reflect on Your wonder and glory, I love better. The terrible temptation of pride is overcome by worship because I remember my Creator. May all that I do lift people’s eyes toward You, that You may be praised by all.
Amen
Daily Question
The greatest commandment is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). Do you?