Day 101
Observation
In an ironic twist, the prophet of God anoints a new king in Israel for the express purpose of destroying the existing king and his family. Jehu wastes no time carrying out his divine mandate against the family of Ahab. Politically and spiritually, the situation is not much better in the south. Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel usurps the throne and seeks to secure it by killing her grandchildren. Only one-year-old Joash escapes; six years later he emerges to become one of Judah's brightest reformers.
Application
Imagine for a moment that the minimum age requirement had been lifted for candidates running for the presidency of the United States. And imagine further that the "kids of the kingdom" had pooled their voting power to elect a seven-year-old child as president on Election Day. Would that worry you? If so, why?
Now read the last verse of chapter 11 and the first two verses of chapter 12. It really happened in the nation of Judah! Not by popular vote, but by divine appointment. And the amazing thing is this: "All his life Joash did what was right because Jehoiada the High Priest instructed him" (12:2). As long as young Joash listened to godly counsel, the nation enjoyed godly leadership.
Now ponder this sobering thought. Somewhere in America today may be a seven-year-old who will one day be president. Perhaps that child is in our neighborhood, our Sunday school class or even our home. How should we be trying to influence the children in our life for God and His good? Today's investment will pay rich dividends tomorrow if we are faithful. Let's plan to engage a child in godly ways the every chance we get and especially with children in our family and communities. It is so rewarding to watch the youth grow in faith!
Now read the last verse of chapter 11 and the first two verses of chapter 12. It really happened in the nation of Judah! Not by popular vote, but by divine appointment. And the amazing thing is this: "All his life Joash did what was right because Jehoiada the High Priest instructed him" (12:2). As long as young Joash listened to godly counsel, the nation enjoyed godly leadership.
Now ponder this sobering thought. Somewhere in America today may be a seven-year-old who will one day be president. Perhaps that child is in our neighborhood, our Sunday school class or even our home. How should we be trying to influence the children in our life for God and His good? Today's investment will pay rich dividends tomorrow if we are faithful. Let's plan to engage a child in godly ways the every chance we get and especially with children in our family and communities. It is so rewarding to watch the youth grow in faith!
Prayer
Lord, we need your help ministering to the youth. We don't want to be too overbearing that we run them away but yet get the truth to them in such a way it lead them right into your loving arms. Give us the wisdom we need and we know you will in Jesus holy name, amen!
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| Prepare our future leaders for the kingdom! |
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
