Reading: II Chronicles 20-24
Now when Jehoram was risen up to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself, and slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers also of the princes of Israel. Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord (II Chr. 21:4-6).
Although neither man was without fault, both Asa and Jehoshaphat had loved the Lord and had sought to rule His people in accordance with His Covenant and His Laws. Under their leadership, the nation of Judah had enjoyed nearly 66 years of relative peace and prosperity. Upon the death of Jehoshaphat, all of that changed. Yesterday we read of Jehoshaphat’s terrible choice to allow his family to join with the family of Ahab of Israel. Today we are shown the dire consequences of that choice.
With the death of his father Jehoshaphat, Jehoram rose to the throne accompanied by his wife, Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab. His first act was to slaughter all of his brothers to ensure there would be no one alive to challenge his rule. He was a vicious, cruel man, who walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab. He turned his back on the Lord, and returned widespread idol worship to the land. In response to his rule, God’s wrath was let loose upon the nation (II Chr. 21:14-17). Eight years after taking the throne, Jehoram, alone and in agonizing pain, died under the curse of God (21:18-19).
Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings (21:20). This is such a sad epitaph for a man that could have had it all! Jehoram was raised in a Godly household. As an adult, he made a conscious choice to turn his back on the God of his father and grandfather in favor of embracing the idolatrous lifestyle of his wife. In doing so, he ruined not only his own life, but the lives of many of his subjects as well.
When we choose to turn away from God, we are not the only people that are going to be hurt. Just as our actions for God can help draw others to Him, our evil deeds can create a barrier that holds them back. And even if we drag others down with us, we will still wind up cast out and alone. There is unity amongst the children of God, but the same cannot be said for those who chose to reject Him. The path of destruction is a lonely one. Although the devil and his followers may support us while we are actively doing his will, in the end we will discover that the support was all an illusion. Without God's love, we will face the same agonizing, solitary end as did Jehoram.
But He shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out (Luke 13:27-28).
Thought For TodayWhen we stand against the devil, God stands with us, but when one stands against God, it should be no surprise that they stand alone.
Christ Portrayed : By Jehoiada, the high priest, who faithfully hid and pro- tected Joash (II Chr. 23:1-11). Jesus is our High Priest (Heb. 5:5-10), and we are hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
Word Studies: 21:9 compassed him in = surrounded him; 21:19 of sore diseases = in severe suffering; no burning for him = no funeral fire to honor him; 22:10 seed royal = royal offspring of the house of David.
Pray in Memory of Dr. John Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR), Rep. Scott Perry (PA), Rep. Jennifer Wexton (VA), Rep. Alma Adams (NC) • Country: Niue (1,229) South Pacific Ocean • Major Languages: English, Niuen • Religious Freedom • 61.1% Ekalesia Niue; 8.8% Mormon; 7.2% Catholic; 2.4% Jehovah’s Witnesses; 1.4% Seventh Day Adventist; 8.4% Other; 8.7% Unspecified; 1.9% None • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for the blessings of God upon your family and home (II Sam. 7:29).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 8.