Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king. He was king for two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz. She was from Jotbah. In God’s opinion he lived an evil life, just like his father Manasseh. (II Kings 21:19-20 The Message)
Opinion
Historians have found evidence that King Amon was a popular King of Judah. Apparently improved the economy, strengthened the military, and was well liked. But in God’s opinion, he was a bad King.
Which opinion mattered, really?
We forget that God is the judge when we try to please our neighbors, our friends, our community, and our governments instead of living to please God. At times, we are able to do both. But more often, living to please God makes pleasing the other groups more difficult. And living to please the other groups diminishes our devotion to God.
Perhaps the problem is that the other groups seem to have louder voices. If that is the case, let us listen more to God’s shouting Word. Perhaps the problem is that the other groups are more visible. If that is the case, let us learn to discern Him who is behind the scenes in vivid technicolor. Perhaps the problem is that the other groups cater to our pleasure, power, and pride. If that is the case, remember who we are before the One True Living God.
What Amon needed was more Messiah. And what we need is more Jesus.
He is the bridge between earth and heaven. He is the bridge between opinion and fact. He is the One focused on our real needs, our real troubles, our real brokenness.
He knows us and judges us, and finds us in need of Himself… and then offers Himself to us.
We do not seem to be able to judge ourselves, but thankfully Jesus can.