Read: 2 Kings 10:32-12:21; Acts 18:1-22; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 18:1
As Jehu’s walk with the Lord faltered, his kingdom weakened. He started losing territory to Aram. They lost the land of Gad, Reuben and Manasseh, the three tribes that didn’t want to cross over Jordan when they were given the promised land. Jehu died and his son Jehoahaz became the king.
Yesterday, we read that King Ahaziah died and his mother, Athalia went and killed all of his sons so she could rule. One of the sons was just a baby named Joash. He was saved and hidden in the Temple where the priests raised him until he was seven. At that time, the priest, Jehoiada showed him to the officers of the government and gave them instructions of what to do. Apparently, no one liked Athalia but they had been afraid to kill her. Jehoiada had the army surround Joash as he brought him out and put a crown on his head and a copy of the law in his hand. Everyone cried, “Long live the king!” and blew the trumpets. When Athalia heard the noise, she cried, “Treason!” The officers brought her out and killed her.
Jehoiada then led Joash from the temple to the palace and set him on the throne. He was seven years old and would reign for 40 years. Joash followed the Lord as long as he had Jehoiada to instruct him. He brought back accountability to the priesthood and had the temple repaired.
This is a good reminder that when we see no hope for the future, God always has the answer though it might have been hidden away for years. He always has a way of escape and victory.
In Joash’s 23rd year of being king, Hazael king of Aram attacked Gath and captured it. He was on his way to Jerusalem to attack it. Joash gathered all of the gold in the temple and paid Hazael not to attack them and he did. I have to think that he did this after Jehoiada had died. I don’t think this was a good thing. If he had asked God to help him, I think God would have had a better plan. Joash’s own officers murdered him and his son Amaziah became the king of Judah.
In Acts, Paul met Aquilla and Priscilla while he was in Corinth. They were a married Jewish couple who had escaped Rome because Claudius had ordered all the Jews out of Italy. They were also believers in Christ. Paul and Aquilla had both been tentmakers so they became friends and Paul stayed at their house.
Silas and Timothy joined them and they all preached the gospel of Jesus Christ every Sabbath in the synagogue. Many were coming to the faith and Paul had a dream where the Lord told him not to be afraid to speak the truth because He had many people in this city and Paul would be safe. Paul stayed a year and a half to disciple the believers.
The religious Jews brought Paul to court over his preaching but the proconsul refused to hear it since it had nothing to do with Roman law. The synagogue leader was beat instead.
Paul left Corinth to go to Syria and took Aquilla and Priscilla with him. He preached in the synagogue at Ephesus and was begged to stay but he had leave to visit the other churches and left for Caesarea and Antioch.
Lord, help us to remain strong and faithful till the end. Strengthen your Church to fight the good fight.
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