2 Kings 10:32–12:21
Jehu reigned as king of Israel for twenty-eight years, after which his son Jehoahaz reigned for eight years.
We have to rewind about twenty-one years to see what took place in the southern kingdom of Judah, and we read:
2 Kings 11:1 (NKJV) “When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs.”
Imagine that! This daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2 Kings 8:18) murdered all of her son’s descendants in order to crown herself as Queen of Judah. But Jehosheba, the sister of King Ahaziah was able to save one of the Ahaziah’s sons (Jehoash) an infant at the time…and he was raised in the temple under the supervision of Jehoiada the priest.
When Jehoash was seven years-old, Jehoida made his move to crown him king. Of course this would be under his guidance, but since Jehoash was the rightful heir, his plan was blessed by God and Athaliah was executed.
We read something rather revealing in:
2 Kings 12:2 (NKJV) “Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.”
We will see this young man become a godly king. He will take care of the House of the LORD and ensure that the dilapidations were repaired, after all, the care and condition of the Temple would be a partial reflection of their care and heart for God. When the funds didn’t seem to be fueled in the right direction Jehoash made what we would call at Calvary Chapel El Monte an “Agape Box,” and the people would place their offerings in the chest, inserting into the hole in its lid.
We’ll get further details when we read 2 Chronicles 23, but tragically when Jehoiada passed away, Jehoash did not continue to serve the LORD. It’s for that reason he was assassinated.
We’re grateful for the help of our friends and mentors, but let’s make sure that our faith is not propped up by them. That was the case of Jehoash with Jehoiada and when his prop was gone, he fell – and fell hard.
Acts 18:1-22
It’s just so beautiful to see the way the Lord keeps building His church (Matthew 16:18).
Next on His list is the great city of Corinth, with close to 200,000 citizens. God orchestrates the events to bring more help for Paul the Apostle, with this amazing couple, Aquila and Priscilla who also are tentmakers. Paul worked with them and even lived with them.
Sandy Adams comments, “When Paul’s funds ran low, he didn’t send out a letter begging for bucks. The Apostle got a job! Why don’t modern ministers do the same? God would rather us work than weasel.”
As usual, Paul reasons in the Synagogue, but then when Silas and Timothy come, Paul preaches with an even greater passion – maybe it was the good news from Thessalonica, or perhaps it was just a blessing having his friends with him.
But even Paul had his ups and downs, and in one of those “down” times, Jesus spoke to him in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10)
So, Paul taught there in Corinth for one year and six months – that’s a great length of time for a traveling missionary!
God protects and directs His servant Paul every step of the way, as he heads to Jerusalem for the Feast. The Jews come against Paul, to no avail, as a matter of fact, it only led to the Greeks beating the ruler of the Synagogue, Sosthenes. The interesting about this is that this may be the same Sosthenes who was eventually (1 Corinthians 1:1).
As Paul heads to Jerusalem, he makes a pit-stop in Ephesus.
Acts 18:20–21 (NKJV) “When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, 21 but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.”
It was God’s will. Ephesus would be the key city in Paul next missionary journey. Another lesson on the importance of timing.
Psalm 145:1-21
Another absolutely beautiful Psalm of David – speaking of the fact that we are called to bless the LORD – to praise the LORD, every single day of our lives!
May we praise Him. May our children praise Him, their children, and their children.
Psalm 145:4 (NKJV) “One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
As we honestly meditate upon God and His mighty acts, we consider that He is gracious and compassionate; He’s slow to anger. He’s good to all and tender over all His works. We are God’s work and at the same time we are called to work for God, to spread the word of His Kingdom, and our King.
There will be times when we fail and fall – but God will be there to lift us up, to encourage us when we’re down.
Let’s just do our best to walk with Go and seek Him in all sincerity.
Psalm 145:18 (NKJV) “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.”
Proverbs 18:1
And whether it’s intentional or non-intentional, ultimately this person who isolates himself (herself) only wants to please themselves.
We were created to exist socially, part of a community, as a matter of fact, “The Mishnah uses this verse to teach the necessity of being part of a community because people have social responsibilities and need each other (m. Avot 2:4).” – NET Notes
Genesis 2:18 (NKJV) “It is not good that man should be alone…”
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (NKJV) “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NKJV) “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
And not just socially, in society, but more importantly, spiritually (fellowship as believers).
It’s interesting, the same Hebrew word is found in:
Genesis 13:11 (NKJV) “Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east. And they separated from each other.”
It was all downhill for Lot, after the separation from Abraham and Lot’s isolation in Sodom and Gomorrah.
If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you as we grow forward in 2021.