JUNE 17 READINGS...2 Chronicles 21:8-20 & 2 Kings 8:23-10:27 & 2 Chronicles 22:8-9 &
2 Kings 10:18-31
The history of both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah continue. Jehoram will come to the end of his reign…the Lord will repay him for his evil, and for the murder of his brothers. God would destroy his lineage, and Jehoram would suffer a terrible intestinal disease that would make his bowels come out. He is replaced by his son, Ahaziah, who was also evil and only served as king for a year. He made an alliance with the wicked King of Israel, Joram. Elijah prophesied what would happen to Jehoram and his descendants…and we see the fulfillment of the word of the Lord. I want you all to remember that no one, NO ONE, that does such evil in the sight of the Lord will walk away without facing God’s judgment…that was true then, and it is true today.
In the northern kingdom Joram comes to the end of his reign. It was time to bring this wicked King to judgment…so God raises Jehu to be the king of Israel. Elisha has one of his prophets go and anoint Jehu the king of Israel…and instruct him to kill Joram, and become king. Jehu kills both Joram king of Israel and Ahaziah king of Judah on the same day. Jehu then returns to Samaria and has the wicked Jezebel thrown down in the streets, and the dogs licked her blood, and ate her flesh…just as the prophet Elijah prophesied. Jehu also kills all the family of Ahab…again fulfilling prophecy. Finally, Jehu kills all the priests of baal, as the Lord commanded. Though Jehu follows the Lord for a short time, soon he too goes into wickedness…he was the only king of Israel that even demonstrated a semblance of following God. Today’s writing is filled with fulfilled prophecy…and if it is genuine prophecy, it will be done. These dramatic fulfillments of prophecy are why both Elijah and Elisha are considered two of the great of the Old Testament prophets.
Please share your thoughts on today’s reading. Remember that righteousness is not just for kings, but for all of us that follow the Lord. And don’t be deceived judgment awaits all who walk in wickedness…king and peasant alike.
TOMORROW’S READINGS…2 Kings 11:1-12 & 2 Chronicles 23:1-11 & 2 Kings 11:13-16 & 2 Chronicles 23:12-15 & 2 Kings 11:17-21 & 2 Chronicles 23:16-21 & 2 Kings 12:1-16 & 2 Chronicles 24:1-22 & 2 Kings 10:32-36
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