2 Chronicles 24; 2 Kings 12; Psalm 50; Matthew 9
2 Chronicles 24; 2 Kings 12
The reign of Joash provides several lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of proper influence. As long as the priest Jehoiada was alive, Joash led the nation in serving the Lord (2 Kings 12:2). However, after Jehoiada's death, the king began to listen to wicked princes (2 Chronicles 24:17-18), leading the people back into idolatry. The king and princes rejected the words of the prophets sent by the Lord.
Secondly, it highlights the ingratitude of human nature. Seduced by sin and idolatry, King Joash killed the young priest Zechariah for rebuking him for his apostasy from the Lord. Strengthened in his power, Joash forgot not only that this power was given to him by God but also that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, saved his life and effectively made him king. This illustrates the reality of human nature, which is why Scripture teaches us to expect our reward from the Lord (which will surely come) rather than from people.
Psalm 50
Sincere praise to God, pouring from the heart, is more important than sacrifices and burnt offerings. God condemns formal service when a person's heart is filled with something else. God promises to hear our prayers when we are genuinely thankful, praise Him, and are willing to obey Him: "Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50:14-15)
Matthew 9
Continuing to demonstrate that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, Matthew presents additional arguments: His authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2-6), authority over death (Matthew 9:18-26), and authority over demons (Matthew 9:27-33). He also shows the resistance from the Pharisees. Initially, their thoughts were that Jesus was blaspheming (Matthew 9:3), and later, they resorted to slander, saying, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons." (Matthew 9:34)
When speaking about the calling of new shepherds and spiritual leaders, Jesus commands that we focus on prayer first so that God can send such people (Matthew 9:38).
The reign of Joash provides several lessons. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of proper influence. As long as the priest Jehoiada was alive, Joash led the nation in serving the Lord (2 Kings 12:2). However, after Jehoiada's death, the king began to listen to wicked princes (2 Chronicles 24:17-18), leading the people back into idolatry. The king and princes rejected the words of the prophets sent by the Lord.
Secondly, it highlights the ingratitude of human nature. Seduced by sin and idolatry, King Joash killed the young priest Zechariah for rebuking him for his apostasy from the Lord. Strengthened in his power, Joash forgot not only that this power was given to him by God but also that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, saved his life and effectively made him king. This illustrates the reality of human nature, which is why Scripture teaches us to expect our reward from the Lord (which will surely come) rather than from people.
Psalm 50
Sincere praise to God, pouring from the heart, is more important than sacrifices and burnt offerings. God condemns formal service when a person's heart is filled with something else. God promises to hear our prayers when we are genuinely thankful, praise Him, and are willing to obey Him: "Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50:14-15)
Matthew 9
Continuing to demonstrate that Jesus is indeed the Messiah, Matthew presents additional arguments: His authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:2-6), authority over death (Matthew 9:18-26), and authority over demons (Matthew 9:27-33). He also shows the resistance from the Pharisees. Initially, their thoughts were that Jesus was blaspheming (Matthew 9:3), and later, they resorted to slander, saying, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons." (Matthew 9:34)
When speaking about the calling of new shepherds and spiritual leaders, Jesus commands that we focus on prayer first so that God can send such people (Matthew 9:38).
Posted in Reading Bible Together