How should we prioritize God's work in our lives, based on 2 Kings 12:17? Setting the Scene “At that time Hazael king of Aram went up, fought against Gath, and captured it. Then he turned to attack Jerusalem.” (2 Kings 12:17) What Joash’s Crisis Reveals • The temple had just been repaired (vv. 4–16), yet Joash surrendered its treasures to buy peace (v. 18). • A king who once honored God with generous giving now treats holy things as expendable. • Compromise with the world always begins when God’s work is no longer first in our hearts. Key Principles for Prioritizing God’s Work • God’s resources are sacred, not bargaining chips. – Compare Numbers 18:8–9; Proverbs 3:9. • Pressure does not excuse shifting our allegiance. – Joash feared Hazael more than he feared dishonoring the LORD (cf. Galatians 1:10). • First devotion must be maintained, not merely begun. – Revelation 2:4–5 calls believers back to their “first love.” • Kingdom priorities invite God’s protection; compromise forfeits it. – See 2 Chronicles 16:7–9 for Asa’s similar failure. Practical Ways to Put God First Today • Budget: Set aside the Lord’s portion before any other expense (Malachi 3:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2). • Time: Schedule daily Scripture and prayer before other commitments (Psalm 5:3; Mark 1:35). • Decisions: Filter choices through, “Will this advance or hinder God’s purpose in me?” (Colossians 3:17). • Courage: Resist shortcuts that sacrifice integrity for safety or gain (Daniel 3:16-18). Encouraging Promises for Those Who Prioritize • “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) • “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) • “Those who honor Me I will honor.” (1 Samuel 2:30) Closing Challenge Joash teaches that beginnings are not enough; steadfast, uncompromising devotion keeps God’s work in first place. Let every choice, under calm or crisis, declare that God’s agenda is our highest priority. |
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