Read 2 Chronicles 21
Highlights:
Jehoram's evil reign over Judah. The Lord smote him . . . with an incurable disease . . . he . . . departed without being desired (II Chr. 21:18-20). Notice verses 24:20-21. King Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab . . . to do wickedly (22:3). Athaliah takes over Judah's throne, murdering all her grandchildren except Joash, who was hidden by Jehoiada the priest. He was destined for the genealogy of Jesus. Joash's reign was influenced by Jehoaida; the Temple repaired; and revival in the land. After the death of Jehoiada, Joash does evil.
Jehoshaphat was a successful ruler and his Kingdom of Judah flourished, but he foolishly put policy before principle in arranging his son Jehoram's marriage to Ahab's wicked daughter Athaliah. As is often the case, Jehoram was affected more by the influence of his wife's idolatrous background than by the godly influence of his father. After the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram took control of the kingdom. He proceeded to destroy all the godly influence of his father's reign. He also slew all his brethren (brothers) with the sword. . . . And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel . . . for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought (did) that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord. . . . Moreover he . . . caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled (forced) Judah thereto (II Chr. 21:4,6,11).
Jehoram is a fearful warning to all parents of the importance of their children marrying a godly person. Can a young couple stand side by side before God and take their wedding vows to be perfectly united with each other in all but the Supreme God? Can they have every interest in common — except the deepest interest of all? Can they talk about everyone else with the most openhearted confidence except for the most precious and personal of all — the Lord Jesus Christ? One is preparing for an inheritance incorruptible (I Pet. 1:4) and the other treasureth up . . . wrath against the day of wrath (Rom. 2:5).
An unequally yoked (II Cor. 6:14) marriage usually means either a cross (Luke 9:23) to bear for the life of the Christian or that Christian turning back again into the world. It is a serious mistake for a young couple considering marriage to have the same interests in everything except their relationship to Christ. An unequally yoked marriage often results in a lifetime of regret.
God still asks: What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (II Cor. 6:14)?
Thought for Today:
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock (Matt. 7:24).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jehoiada, the high priest, who faithfully hid and protected 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; 23:9 bucklers, small shields; 23:14 Have her forth of the ranges, take her outside beyond the Temple under guard; 24:13 in his state, in its original condition; 24:25 great diseases, intense suffering.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR) • Country: Iceland (272,000) at the northern end of the Atlantic • Major language: Icelandic • Religious freedom • 94% Protestant; 6% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Go to God in prayer with a heart and life that are keeping His Commandments and He will answer you (I John 4:7-8).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 14
Memory Verse for the Week: John 15:10
