Hazael Of Syria Became Instrument Of Judgement

Hazael Of Syria Became  Instrument Of Judgement 

II Kings 12:17-18 NKJV

[17] Hazael king of Syria went up and fought against Gath, and took it; then Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. [18] And Jehoash king of Judah took all the sacred things that his fathers, Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own sacred things, and all the gold found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and in the king’s house, and sent them to Hazael king of Syria. Then he went away from Jerusalem. 

The details of this story is also told in 2Ch 24:23-24. The verse says, "because they had forsaken the LORD God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash".Do remember that Joash and Jehoash is the same person. God can be so loving and protective. Joash experienced all, but you can't expect a continous protection from Jehovah while you serve other gods. Serving other gods, also known as idolatry, is the act of worshipping a being or thing other than Jehovah.

   This is the real deal in relating with the real God. Your motives and attitudes must allign with the word of God. Idolatry may include worshiping demons, money, power, success or ancestors. Its a very easy mistake to make at the height of your accomplishments. Mat.6:24 is very explicit, "

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon". So God permitted Syria to punish them. Who do you serve? How do you react between time for money and time for God? Do remember God is a jealous God. Good morning.