Many gods; little faith
Day 279, Saturday, May 17
2 Chronicles Chapters 26 – 28
A passage from the Proverbs reading seems to tie together the stories of the disobedient kings: “When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.”
A pattern emerges as you look at the good kings compared to the unfaithful kings.
The good kings listen to and worship one God, and seek his direction when there are decisions to be made. They tend to rule in times of relative peace and prosperity. Even when there is not peace, the wars appear to serve a clear goal and are won (or occasionally even lost), decisively. In every case, though, there is a sense of order.
In the case of the weak kings almost everything is reversed.
There are many opposing advisers to the king. God is not consulted for major decisions. Alliances shift quickly and without clear purpose. There seems to be war on every front. Worship is reduced to random bits and pieces of ceremonial practices honoring a host of different gods.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Saturday meditation

Proverbs 28:2-5
When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.
A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them.
Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

Prayer focus
Lord, keep our eyes and minds clear that we may receive your guidance and blessings.