Bible Chapter: II Chronicles 21 & 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.While he wasn’t perfect, Jehoshaphat was a good king. He passed away and his son, Jehoram, took his throne. Unfortunately, the desire to serve God didn’t move to the next generation. Jehoram was selfish and evil. He was afraid, so he had all his brothers killed. Unlike his father’s legacy, Jehoram was known for following the ways of the kings of Israel, just like Ahab. They went back to evil worship. It is amazing how many times this happened. Each time God brought some kind of judgement. Still, it seems that the kings and the citizens didn’t learn. Elijah the prophet told the king that the Lord would strike him and his people with a serious affliction. Eventually Jehoram died a very painful death. How bad was he? He died when he was forty years old and it was “to no one’s sorrow”. That is sad. He was gone and no one cared.
A sad state of affairs continued. More royal murders. More attempts to wrest control and destroy all possible challengers to the throne. It’s sad what selfishness and envy will do to people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I remember reading these historical books, it was never God’s perfect plan to give the nation a king. They got one because the wanted to be like all the other nations. They had some excellent kings. They also had many rotten ones. If they would have gone God’s way, things would have been much better. That’s a good lesson to apply: do things God’s way. Never let your motivation to do something be because you want to be like the rest of the world.
3. How can I help someone?
If you seek position, seek it only because you know God is directing you. Don’t try to manipulate and get it in an unethical way. Don’t let jealousy drive your actions. And, once in a position, do everything in a Godly manner. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.
