Sun.’s Devo - The Rise of Joash

Read: 2 Kings 10:32-12:21; Acts 18:1-22; Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 18:1 At this time in Israel’s history, they started losing land to King Hazael of Aram. They lost all the land east of the Jordan River that belonged to Reuben, Gad and Manasseh and also all of Gilead. King Jehu died after 28 years of ruling Israel and his son Jehoahaz became king. The scene then turns to Judah which becomes confusing because some of their kings were the same names as the kings of Israel. Athalia, who was the mother of King Ahaziah was Judah’s counterpart to Israel’s Jezebel. When Athalia learned that her son had died, she started killing all of his sons so that she would be the ruler. Ahaziah’s sister hid the youngest son of her brother in the temple with Jehoiada, the high priest. Joash was an infant at the time. The priests raised Joash until he was seven and then Jehoiada devised a plot to seize the throne from Athalia and give it to Joash. He positioned three groups of guards around the Temple. Inside, he brought out Joash, anointed him, placed the crown on his head, and gave him a copy of God’s laws. He pronounced him king and all the people shouted in celebration. When Athaliah heard the noise and saw what had happened, she shouted, “Treason!” She was seized and brought out of the Temple where she was killed. Jehoiada made a covenant before the people that they would follow the Lord and serve Him only. Joash ruled under the leadership of Jehoiada and pleased the Lord until Jehoiada died. He brought financial accountability to the House of God and repaired the Temple. King Hazael of Aram attacked Jerusalem and Joash gave him all the treasures that the previous kings had gained in order to save Jerusalem. Joash’s life ended when his own officers assassinated him. His son, Amaziah reigned in his stead. In Acts, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. He met an Italian couple named Aquila and Priscilla. Paul worked with them in business because they were all tentmakers. Paul started out preaching in the synagogue but when Silas and Timothy arrived he was free to leave the Jews to them and go preach to the Gentiles. Paul was able to stay in Corinth for a year and a half because God had showed him in a vision that the people in Corinth were hungry for the Word and he would be safe here. When Gallio became the governor, some of the hostile Jews saw this as their opportunity to bring Paul to trial. Gallio threw them out of his courtroom when he realized this was a matter of Jewish law. Paul was free to leave Corinth and spread the Good News to other regions. He took Aquilla and Priscilla with him. They went to Ephesus, Caesarea, Jerusalem and then back to Antioch. When we put You first, all things work together for the good of the kingdom. Use us today, Lord to further your work in the world.