June 28

June 28

Jehoram (Southern King 8 years) -- God's promise to David & Elijah's letter to Jehoram.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: 2 Chronicles 21

Reading 2: 2 Samuel 7:16-17

Reading 3: Psalm 132:10-12

We have seen two good but flawed kings in Judah, in contrast to a procession of evil and ungodly kings in Israel. Now we see that a godly king is no guarantee that his children will be godly. Each of us has a choice to make - how will we relate to God? There are no second-generation believers.

King Jehoram turns out to be as evil as the Israelite kings, murdering his brothers and turning his back on God and his heritage. In response, Elijah writes a letter to him and condemns his leadership of the people into evil. And all the judgments Elijah predicts come upon Jehoram and the nation. After eight bad years, Jehoram's sickness leads to death, and nobody is sorry when he dies!

Such is evil in action - those whose hearts are not hardened against godly values will never mourn the death of evil.

As with many of God's promises, the promise to David had a double focus: primarily, it referred to David's children and grandchildren - if they continued to serve God, then they would continue to reign over the nation. But secondarily, God had His eternal plan in view. The promise to David still stands that he will always have a descendant on the throne. This is fulfilled by David's descendant, Jesus of Nazareth, who reigns forever.

We have the privilege of serving this King who fulfills God's promise forever.

Have a great day!

Mark.