Welcome to BibleStudyMinistry.com, your online bible study supplement source. Today, we are looking at is the Almighty or are you trying to destroy yourself. Let’s dive in. First off, this is one of my favorite stories and scriptures in the Bible. It let me know that by our own decisions, we could be trying to destroy ourselves and many do. It is a story about a king of Juda who was a bit arrogant and dare I say foolish at the same time.
The Importance of Counsel from the Almighty
Scripture Focus: 2nd Chronicles 25:14-16 (KJV)
“Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed down himself before them, and burned incense unto them.
Wherefore the anger of the Almighty was kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him, Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand? And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten?
Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.”
Introduction
The story of King Amaziah reveals the critical importance of heeding the counsel sent by the Almighty. After a great victory over the Edomites, Amaziah made a catastrophic decision by worshiping the false gods of the people he had defeated. The Almighty, in His mercy, sent a prophet to warn Amaziah, offering him guidance and an opportunity to repent.
However, Amaziah’s pride and arrogance led him to reject this counsel, ultimately sealing his fate. This account highlights how the Almighty uses counsel as a means to help, warn, and guide us. Ignoring His counsel often leads to destructive consequences.
1. Counsel as a Warning and Guidance from the Almighty
The Almighty often uses counsel—through prophets, His Word, or godly individuals—as a way to steer us back onto the right path. In the case of Amaziah, the Almighty sent a prophet to confront him with a clear and direct question:
“Why hast thou sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of thine hand?”
This question was not only a rebuke but also a chance for Amaziah to realize his folly and turn back to the Almighty.
Key Insight: When the Almighty sends counsel, it is often an act of grace, meant to correct our course before we face more severe consequences. Ignoring such counsel can lead us into deeper sin and separation from Him.
Additional Scripture:
- Proverbs 12:15: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
Amaziah’s refusal to heed the prophet’s counsel shows the danger of pride and self-reliance. Wisdom lies in recognizing when we need guidance and being humble enough to accept it. - Proverbs 19:20: “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.”
This verse emphasizes that receiving counsel prepares us for a better future. Amaziah’s future could have been drastically different if he had listened to the warning given to him.
2. The Dangers of Rejecting Divine Counsel
Amaziah’s response to the prophet—“Art thou made of the king’s counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten?”
This reveals a heart hardened by pride and a refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing. Instead of receiving the prophet’s words as a warning from the Almighty, Amaziah dismissed them, viewing the prophet as a threat rather than a messenger of grace.
Key Insight: Rejecting counsel is not merely rejecting advice but is often a rejection of the Almighty’s attempt to help us. When we shut our ears to godly counsel, we are essentially closing the door on the Almighty’s guidance, protection, and favor.
Additional Scripture:
- Proverbs 1:24-26: “Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh.”
This passage illustrates the consequences of ignoring Divine Counsel. It highlights that refusing to listen to the Almighty’s warnings can lead to situations where we find ourselves without His protection. - Isaiah 30:1: “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Almighty, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin.”
When we seek guidance apart from the Almighty’s counsel, we risk compounding our mistakes. This scripture shows the futility of pursuing advice that does not align with His will.
3. Counsel as an Opportunity for Repentance and Restoration
The prophet’s counsel to Amaziah was not just a rebuke; it was an opportunity for repentance and restoration. The Almighty’s anger was kindled, but He provided Amaziah a chance to turn back before judgment fell upon him. However, Amaziah’s refusal to heed the warning sealed his fate, demonstrating that divine counsel is often the last opportunity to avoid disaster.
Key Insight: Counsel from the Almighty often comes at a pivotal moment when a decision can lead to either restoration or ruin. Accepting this counsel opens the door to repentance, forgiveness, and renewed favor, while rejecting it leads to judgment.
Additional Scripture:
- Jonah 3:4-10: The story of Nineveh is a powerful example of a people who heeded Divine Counsel. When Jonah warned of impending destruction, the people of Nineveh repented, and the Almighty spared them. This contrasts sharply with Amaziah, who rejected his opportunity for repentance.
- Proverbs 15:31-32: “The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”
Listening to reproof and counsel is an act of wisdom that brings life. Refusing it is not only foolish but self-destructive, as seen in Amaziah’s tragic end.
4. The Need for Humility in Receiving Counsel
The key to benefiting from divine counsel is humility. Amaziah’s pride prevented him from accepting the prophet’s warning, leading to his downfall. Humility allows us to see that the Almighty’s counsel, even when it challenges us, is for our ultimate good. Not too long ago, a minister asked me where I got my doctorate or master’s degree in theology. I responded I have none of those. He then told me I do not read books from non-accredited individuals.
From his response, I could not and did not respond. I was too flabergast at such a lofty and arrogant response. If I had replied, I would have simply asked him where the prophets and apostles obtained their doctorate and master’s degrees.
Additional Scripture:
- Proverbs 11:14: “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Seeking and accepting counsel creates a safety net in our spiritual journey. The Almighty places wise voices in our lives to guide us and keep us on His path. - James 4:6: “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”
Humility opens the door to grace, while pride blocks the flow of Divine guidance. Amaziah’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need for a humble heart that is open to correction.
Conclusion: Heeding the Counsel of the Almighty
The story of King Amaziah teaches us that Divine counsel is one of the Almighty’s greatest acts of grace toward us. It is His way of helping, warning, and guiding us back to His perfect will. Ignoring or rejecting this counsel not only places us at risk of judgment but also forfeits the opportunity for restoration and enrichments. Let us strive to be humble, attentive, and responsive to the counsel that the Almighty sends our way, recognizing it as a vital lifeline that keeps us aligned with His Divine purpose.
If not, the Almighty may be determined to destroy you or rather, you are determined to destroy yourself.
May we always seek and value the wisdom and counsel that come from the Eternal Almighty Father, for it is through His guidance that we find safety, correction, and the path of righteousness.
Salud
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Power be with you.
Minister Koko
Consul General, AKOPPI
