Day 115

Time of Renewal

Read: 2 Kings 11-13

After Jehu had killed Ahaziah, king of Judah, Ahaziah’s mother, Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel, ruled. She murdered everyone in the royal family except Joash, who was hidden from her. Jehoida the priest later set young Joash on the throne. Under Jehoida’s influence, Joash did what was right in the eyes of God.

He also repaired the temple, which had been neglected for many years. This was a spiritual renewal. Like Israel, the church today, because its members are sinful human beings, is always tending to decline. From time to time it needs spiritual renewal, the revival of fervent faith. As in the days of Judah’s kings, so today, God uses people. May he raise up leaders in his church who will be instruments of renewal!

In the meantime, the northern kingdom Israel had another wicked king, Jehoahaz, son of Jehu. Because his wickedness angered God, the Syrians were able to oppress Israel. The constant theme of the Old Testament is that sin leads to trouble. It still does today!

Jehoahaz’s son Jehoash was also wicked, yet he had great respect for Elisha and visited him on his deathbed. When commanded by Elisha to strike the ground with his arrows, he struck only three times. Therefore, Elisha said that he would have victory over the Syrians in only three battles instead of defeating them completely.

PRAYER
Father, we pray that there may be renewal in the church today. Use us, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.