June 27- A Boy Will Be King

June 27, 2011

Scripture Readings:
2 Kings 10:32-12:21; Acts 18:1-22;
Psalm 145:1-21; Proverbs 18:1

Joash was seven years old when he became king. 
~2 Kings 11:21

2 Kings 10:32-12:21

It is easy to think of the evil step mothers in fairy tales when one contemplates the real life stories found in the Bible.  Today, although God has put an inglorious end to one queen mother, Jezebel, we have another wretched queen mother who is ruling the throne of Judah in the Southern Kingdom.  Upon learning that her son, Ahaziah, has been killed, Athaliah, the queen mother, sets out to kill her grandchildren and any other family members who may threaten her ability to rule.  It just so happens that Athaliah's step daughter takes Ahaziah's infant son, Joash, and steals him away.  The boy and his nursemaid are hidden in the Temple of the Lord for six years.

In the seventh year, the priest named Jehoiada decides it is time to crown Joash as the King of Judah. With guards stationed appropriately, Jehoiada crowns him king.  Athaliah tears her robes and cries "treason" upon seeing this. The temple guards follow Jehoiada's commands and kill her at the palace gates.

It seems that it will be a new day for the Southern Kingdom as the priest makes a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people that they will be the Lord's people from now on.  The people act upon this covenant by tearing down the temple of Baal, destroying the altars, and smashing the idols.  They also kill the head priest of Baal.  They then carry their new boy king to the palace.  Joash is seven years old when he is crowned king.

The Bible says that for all of his life, Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight by following the teachings of the priest Jehoiada.  We see that not all of the pagan shrines are destroyed and there is still a problem with the people of Judah burning incense and offering sacrifices to false gods.

Joash implements a program to repair the Temple of the Lord.  It had apparently been neglected by past kings of Judah. Joash pays off King Hazael with treasures from the Temple in order to prevent him from attacking Jerusalem.

Lessons:  This story shows us the incredible influence that a good teacher of God can have on a whole society.  This one man Jehoiada, saves the king, teaches him the ways of God, rids the land of an evil ruler, promotes the relationship between the whole population of Judah and its leaders and God. This man leads a revival.  That is what we call being salt and light in the community.

How can you be salt and light in your community?  Think of ways that you can influence and impact others.  Do you teach anyone what you know about the Bible?  Do you participate in political activities?

Acts 18:1-22

Paul is on his second missionary journey with Silas.  He now goes to Corinth and meets a Jewish couple named Aquila and Priscilla.  They will become influential friends and companions in ministry for the Apostle Paul. Paul makes a living by making tents.  So do Aquila and Priscilla.  Every Sabbath, Paul goes to debate with the Jews in the synagogue.  The Jews are opposing Paul's message that Jesus is their Messiah.  Paul shakes the dust off of his robe and dedicates himself to bringing the message to the Gentiles.  Many people, both Jews and Gentiles, come to belief in Christ through Paul's testimony and teaching in Corinth.  The Lord comes to Paul in a vision and encourages him to keep speaking because the Lord has many that belong to Him in Corinth.

Isn't it cool that Jesus would come tell Paul that he already knows who is going to come to him through Paul's preaching?  This is strong motivation for Paul to put up with the nonsense that the unbelieving Jews throw his way.  They bring him before the governor and try to say that he is breaking laws.  The governor is not buying it and releases Paul.

He finishes this missionary journey by going to Ephesus in modern day Turkey.  From there he goes to Caesarea, Jerusalem and then, back to Antioch in Syria.

Do you consider that the Lord is watching your life and is involved and interested in the details, just like he was involved in the details of Paul's life?  Do you behave like Jesus is a member of your team?  Would it change anything if you thought this way?

Psalm 145:1-21

Vs. 4-6, "Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness."  This is what Jehoiada did by teaching and influencing Joash.  Have you told the next generation about Christ?

Proverbs 18:1

People who are reclusive are self-indulgent.  I bet they don't realize that.

What did you notice as you read?

Blessings,

Jubilee Gal
Kathy Fullerton