MYSTERY, INTRIGUE, AND CONFUSION


 Image result for GOOGLE CLIP ART OF MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE   Lest one think that mystery, intrigue, and confusion reigns in politics  today, have a go at reading 2 Chronicles 22-25, the years 841-835 BC.  I have often read that power can corrupt and it seems if power doesn't corrupt, then riches and position will.  After Jehoram, king of Judah died, his son, Ahaziah came to the throne.  His evil reign was short lived, for he was put to death after a year of reigning.  One chapter was given to his infamous reign.  

Miraculously his young son, Joash,  had been hidden for 6 years while his evil grandmother, Athaliah, the mother of the deceased son Jehoram, was ruling in Judah. The offspring that she could find, she had murdered. Jehoiada, the priest conspired with Joash's nurse to hide and to protect him.  At the age of 7,  Joash was brought before the house of the Lord, and the grandmother, Athaliah, was taken outside the house of the Lord and put to death.  Joash was under the tutelage of the good priest, Jehoiada for the next years.  Tragically, when Jehoiada died at the ripe old age of 130, Joash was still young and easily influenced when some officials were brought to him, "and the king listened to them."  Not long after, the house of the Lord was abandoned for service to idols and the Asherim.  Joash was warned by prophet, Zechariah concerning his disobedience.  Joash had him stoned! This was an interesting response to a warning....kill the messenger!  Joash was eventually murdered by his own servants. 

I come away from the reading with a few thoughts:  1.  Be cautious about who you choose to befriend.  I have watched too many walk out the influence of those who surrounded them.  Scary! 2.  The impact of one man who was willing to tutor and mentor.  Of course Joash did his own thing regardless, but he could not claim ignorance at the laws of God.  3.  I can understand why the Lord Jesus reminds us "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."  Matthew 6:33...in context, food, clothing, shelter, needs, etc.  The evil one prowls! It is no mystery how we get suckered into evil!  Tragically drawn to evil because of our own desires out of control.  Forever learning!  In process! #IHAVETHREESONS  

 

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