Devotion 

They Don’t Listen

Frances Taylor 

Time and time again, prophets were sent to the leaders of Israel trying to bring them back to God, away from their idols, but they didn't listen. The time described above is not different and the result is not different. The leaders wanted the king to rule in their favor, they wanted power, and whatever else they could get. What they got, however, was the Syrian army that came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people that had gone against God and sent the spoils to Damascus. What did they gain by worshiping idols? What do we gain by ignoring the teachings of Jesus and making idols of money, power, fame, and even ourselves? People with too much money often live in fear that someone will come and steal it. Notice that the fences and walls of the rich are usually higher than those of the poor. Fame is fleeting and those who have it spend a lot of time worrying about their safety. Power? There's always someone who wants to take their place and are willing to do almost anything to get it. There's no point in talking about those who put themselves up as some kind of god as they may achieve all of the above – fame, power, and money – but their lifestyles usually are missing something very important, happiness. The people of Judah didn't find happiness by ignoring God, and neither will we.

Prayer 

Gracious God, may we have ears open to hear your message of love and your rules for achieving true happiness and the will to follow you. Amen.