2 Kings 11-12

We have a real biblical soap opera going on in 2 Kings 11-12.  The great nation of Israel is getting smaller and smaller as people get caught up in their own selfish ways.  We meet a crazy woman named Athaliah, mother of former King Ahaziah, who's really upset that her son is dead.  She ends up destroying the whole royal family so she can rule the land herself.  Little does she know, one baby boy, named Joash, escapes her murderous hands and hides in the temple of the Lord for six years.  With the help of Jehoiada, the priest, Joash is protected and anointed king of Judah at the age of seven.  Joash, like Jehu, does what is right for God and His people.  So like I said, it's a real soap opera.

Now, I just have to be honest about my reading today.  I am completely lost in the sea of hard to pronounce names, and let's not even mention the problems they cause for my automatic spell-checker!  At this point in 2 Kings, there have been so many changes in leadership and so many fall-outs, I can't keep up with who's who at all.  And, it doesn't help matters that as of right now, Israel has two divisions, with a king for Judah and a king for greater Israel.  And, we can't forget the strong-willed queens that make an appearance from time to time.  It's a real mess from my perspective, and I had to reread several times to keep up and try to make some sense of what is happening.

I am telling you all of this because I think it's normal to be lost and confused in our Bible reading from time to time.  It's okay to "not get it" sometimes.  That doesn't make our reading worthless.  We can still find meaning and inspiration for our own lives even when we don't understand everything. 

So, for today, I prayed a little prayer to myself and asked God to give me some sense of direction and a little understanding.

Here's what stood out to me today...

2 Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days, because the priest Jehoiada instructed him.

2 Kings 12:2

Jehoash is called to lead God's people at the young age of seven, a time in his life when there's no way he could possibly understand everything, let alone have the maturity to follow through with all of his kingly responsibilities.  And, it's okay.

Why is it okay?

God has called Jehoash to his job as king just like God calls us to read His word.  And, I think we forget, as we grow-up, that God looks at us just like we look at Jehoash.  We are God's children.  He is our Father.  God doesn't expect us to know and do everything on our own.  

When God calls us to something (whatever it may be), even if it's something simple like reading His word, He makes the way and gives us the understanding we need at just the right time.  And, that understanding might not always be instantaneous, nor will it always be what we'd expect. 

That's how God works in us because He wants us to depend on Him (not others, not things) and KNOW His transcendent power. 

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I thank You for making me Your beloved child, and I thank You for Your word that guides me.

Lord, as I read, fill my heart with the truths You need me to understand.  Help me to know You better and to feel the power of Your transcendent love, grace, mercy, and hope for my life.

I know ______________ needs to be filled with Your word for his/her life too.  Please be with him/her this day.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

Peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.