“After Amaziah came from striking down the Edomites, he brought the gods of the men of Seir and set them up as his gods and worshiped them, making offerings to them.  Therefore the Lord was angry with Amaziah and sent to him a prophet, who said to him, ‘Why have you sought the gods of a people who did not deliver their own people from your hand?'” 2 Chronicles 25:14-15

I think this is one of the most brilliant questions – ever.  It reminds me of the question Jesus asked the man who had been an invalid for 38 years (see John 5).  Sometimes the most profound questions are rhetorical in nature.

Here’s the extended paraphrase.  You have a man who went to war and defeated a nation.  The people of this defeated nation had gods that they served and worshiped.  It stands to reason that these people appealed to their gods during the battle, yet, in the end, they were defeated.  Whatever their gods did didn’t work.  So, the prophet is asking Amaziah, “Why in the world would you worship and make offerings to a god that couldn’t even save it’s people from you?”  Something about that doesn’t make sense.

The reason I find this question to be so profound is because it’s one we should ask ourselves on a daily basis.  We may not find ourselves worshiping wood and stone.  But how many of us have set up gods and idols in our hearts that never, ever deliver?  They never provide what they promise, and they never meet the need we are seeking to fill.  They always leave us feeling empty and used, yet, we keep going back to them.  This is just as foolish as what Amaziah did.

I have news for us.  There is only one God.  Anything that tries to take His place on the throne of our hearts will never live up to its promise.  It will never deliver.  It is silly for us to go after things that have proven they don’t work.  Let’s not do that.  Let’s be sensible and wise.  Let’s place all of our eggs in one basket.  Let’s put all our trust in God.