In the realm where justice reigns,
God’s sovereign hand remains,
Addressing unfaithfulness and wrong,
Even if it takes time, it won’t be long.
Idolatry and turning away,
Lead to consequences, severe dismay,
A sin that brings us to our fall,
Destruction’s shadow over all.
Yet in the midst of worldly strife,
We hold steadfast to the life,
Faith and loyalty to God above,
Guided by His eternal love.
Stand for truth, for righteousness,
Despite the risks, we must confess,
For in His grace, we find our way,
Through every night, to brighter day.
REFLECTION:
They forsook the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 24:18)
God is just and sovereign, ensuring that unfaithfulness and injustice are addressed, even if it takes time.
Idolatry and of turning away from God leads to severe consequences and serious repercussions. It is a sin that can lead us to our downfall and destruction. It is important for us to have a steadfast faith and loyalty to God, regardless of external influences.
Let us stand up for truth and righteousness, despite potential risks.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, acknowledging Your justice and sovereignty. We trust that in Your perfect timing, unfaithfulness and injustice will be addressed. Help us to remember that idolatry and turning away from You lead to severe consequences and serious repercussions. Guard our hearts against such sins that can lead to our downfall and destruction.
Grant us a steadfast faith and unwavering loyalty to You, regardless of the external influences we face. Strengthen our resolve to stand up for truth and righteousness, even when it comes with potential risks. May we always seek to honor You in our actions and decisions.
Guide us, Lord, and fill us with Your wisdom and courage. Let Your light shine through us, that we may be a beacon of Your love and justice in this world.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Monarchy before Hezekiah
APOSTACY OF KING JOASH
2 Chronicles 24:17-27
First Reading | 2 Chronicles 24:17-25
17 After the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and the king then listened to them. 18 They forsook the temple of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and began to serve the sacred poles and the idols; and because of this crime of theirs, wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem. 19 Although prophets were sent to them to convert them to the Lord, the people would not listen to their warnings. 20 Then the Spirit of God possessed Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest. He took his stand above the people and said to them: “God says, ‘Why are you transgressing the Lord’s commands, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the Lord, he has abandoned you.’” 21 But they conspired against him, and at the king’s order they stoned him to death in the court of the Lord’s temple. 22 Thus King Joash was unmindful of the devotion shown him by Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, and slew his son. And as Zechariah was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge.” 23 At the turn of the year a force of Arameans came up against Joash. They invaded Judah and Jerusalem, did away with all the princes of the people, and sent all their spoil to the king of Damascus. 24 Though the Aramean force came with few men, the Lord surrendered a very large force into their power, because Judah had abandoned the Lord, the God of their fathers. So punishment was meted out to Joash. 25 After the Arameans had departed from him, leaving him in grievous suffering, his servants conspired against him because of the murder of the son of Jehoiada the priest. He was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.
Background:
2 Chronicles 24:17-25 details a significant turning point in the reign of King Joash of Judah. Here’s a brief background:
King Joash’s Early Reign: Joash became king at a young age and initially ruled righteously under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada. He focused on repairing the Temple, showing his dedication to God during Jehoiada’s lifetime.
Turning to Idolatry: After Jehoiada’s death, Joash’s commitment to God waned. Influenced by the officials of Judah, he turned to idolatry. This shift led to the stoning of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had rebuked the people for their unfaithfulness.
Judgment and Downfall: As a consequence of forsaking God, Judah faced judgment. The Aramean army, though small, defeated Judah and left Joash severely wounded. Joash’s own officials conspired against him and killed him in his bed, marking a tragic end to his reign.
This passage highlights the importance of steadfast faith and the consequences of turning away from God.
Learning Lessons:
2 Chronicles 24:17-25 offers several profound lessons:
The Importance of Godly Leadership: Joash thrived under Jehoiada’s guidance, showing how crucial godly mentorship is. Without Jehoiada, Joash strayed, highlighting the need for consistent spiritual guidance.
The Dangers of Forsaking God: Joash’s turn to idolatry after Jehoiada’s death led to severe consequences. This underscores the importance of steadfast faith and loyalty to God, regardless of external influences.
The Consequences of Sin: Judah’s defeat by the Arameans and Joash’s assassination illustrate the serious repercussions of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder that sin can lead to downfall and destruction.
The Courage to Speak Truth: Zechariah’s boldness in rebuking the people, even at the cost of his life, teaches the value of standing up for truth and righteousness, despite potential risks.
God’s Sovereignty and Justice: The events show that God is just and sovereign, ensuring that unfaithfulness and injustice are addressed, even if it takes time.
Reflecting on these lessons can help strengthen your faith and commitment to living a life that honors God.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
