October 13, 2023
What does it say?
After King Ahaziah’s death, Athaliah, his mother, took over the throne of Judah, eliminating all the royal family except for Joash who was hidden for six years.
What does it mean?
All hope for God’s covenant promise to David seemed to be lost. Athaliah had seized control of Judah by attempting to execute all the heirs to the throne. However, God spared King Ahaziah’s infant son, Joash, the legitimate heir. Through Jehosheba and her husband, the High Priest Jehoiada, God provided Joash protection and godly counsel. On the day that Joash was anointed and crowned king, Jehoiada gave him a copy of the Mosaic Covenant. Because of his faithfulness to God, Jehoiada was able to influence a king and inspire a revival in the nation. Hope was restored, the people rejoiced, and “the city was quiet” and at peace because the nation had returned to God.
How should I respond?
When a nation returns to God, He returns to them. How are you, like Jehoiada, influencing and training the next generation to honor and obey the Lord? God has given believers a New Covenant, based on trust in what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross. How well do you know His promises as well as your responsibilities as a follower of Christ? Busy lives often cause us to drift away from our “first love” (Rev. 2:4). The Lord promises that if you return to Him, He will return to you. What part of your day will you set aside to study His Word and renew your commitment to Him?