Bible Pathways - May 27, 2008
May 27
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Again wicked Ahab influences in the Southern Kingdom of Judah and judgment is pronounced on Jehoram who becomes ill and dies. Don't overlook vss 20 & 21 of chapter 24. We see another convert of Ahab leading the nation wickedly and the next king Ahaziah is also slain. His wicked mother takes over the throne and murders her grandchildren except for one child destined for the genealogy of Jesus. The queen mother is executed. Joash's reign is strongly influenced by Jehoiada, the priest and we see revival in the land and the Temple repaired. Sadly, after the priest dies, apostasy sets in and the king does evil.
Jehoshaphat was a successful ruler and his Kingdom of Judah flourished, but he foolishly put policy before principle in his son's marriage to Ahab's wicked daughter Athaliah.
As is often the case, the influence of his wife's idolatrous background had greater influence upon Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, than 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 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 Chronicles 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 one thing? 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 Peter 1:4) and the other treasureth up . . . wrath against the day of wrath (Romans 2:5).
An unequally yoked (II Corinthians 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 usually results in many conflicts and a lifetime of regret.
God still asks: What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness (II Corinthians 6:14).
Thought for Today:
It is a difficult thing to wait on the Lord for our “mate” but how tragic to marry an unbeliever who has no hope of Heaven.
Christ Portrayed:
By Jehoiada, the high priest, who faithfully hid and protected Joash (II Chronicles 23:1-11). Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 5:5-10) and we are hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).
Word Studies:
21:9 compassed him in =b> surrounded him; 21:19 of sore diseases =b> in severe suffering; no burning for him =b> no public fire to honor him; 22:2 daughter =b> granddaughter; 22:10 seed royal =b> royal offspring of the house of David; 23:9 bucklers =b> small shields; 23:14 Have her forth of the ranges =b> take her outside under guard; 24:13 in his state =b> in its original condition; 24:25 in great diseases =b> intense suffering.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Dorothy W. Ralston • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT) • Country: Russia (146.5 million) northeastern Europe and northern Asia • Major language: Russian • Religious freedom • 55% Russian Orthodox; 9% Muslim; 1% Protestant (Baptist, Pentecostal); .8% Shamanist/Animist; .6% Buddhist; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% New Religions (e.g., Hare Krishna); .4% Jewish; .1% Old Believers; 32.1% Agnostics/Atheists/Others • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you contentment in your circumstances, whether in plenty or in want (Philippians 4:11-12).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 14
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 2:2
