Day 117

By
Joash a Righteous Ruler

Scripture

April 26—2 Chronicles 21-25: Correction Under Joash

Observation

Had it not been for God's promise to David centuries before, Jehoram's reign might have marked the end of the Davidic dynasty. Blessed with godly parents, Jehoram chooses instead to follow the pagan practices of his wife Athaliah (daughter of Ahab and Jezebel). In only eight years Jehoram manages to undo most of the godly reforms for which his father and grandfather labored so zealously. But even Jehoram's wickedness is surpassed by that of the cruel queen-mother Athaliah, who murders her own grandchildren and sets herself up as monarch over Judah. In a thrilling story of danger and suspense, her one surviving grandchild Joash emerges to preserve the royal line of David—the line that eventually leads to Jesus Christ!

Application

There's a sobering one-verse commentary on the death of wicked Queen Athaliah: "So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet and peaceful because Queen Athaliah was dead" (23:21). Two things characterized the scene after Athaliah's death: happiness and harmony. The world was a better place in which to live when she was no longer around.

The funeral no one attended when wicked Jehoram died of a divinely inflicted disease (21:18-20), no one regretted his passing. He was buried in a place apart from the "royal cemetery" with no mourners nor the customary burning of spices in his honor (Jeremiah 34:5) and (2 Chronicles 16:14).

Will there be mourning or merriment when your days on earth are through? Here are some epitaphs that were never hung over the lives of Athaliah or Jehoram. Will one provide a fitting epitaph for you?
  • "He brought Sonshine to the lives of others."
  • "She was a carrier of contagious happiness."
  • "He squandered his on those he loved."
  • "She harbored many a hurting friend, but never a grudge."
  • "His calling in life was great—and greatly pursued."

Prayer

Lord, help us take care of our life in such a way that we are able to lead more into the kingdom by the sharing of your Word and by the way we help others pursue your salvation through setting an example with our life and through it all we know you will take care of our death. Thank you, Jesus!

Help Other Grow their Faith for Life and Death!






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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