February 21: 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:15
God Works in Hopeless Situations
Once Athaliah realizes that her son, Ahaziah, is dead, rather than grieving the loss, she makes a move to secure the throne for herself. She thus destroys all the royal offspring she can find (her grandchildren!). Because of Jehoshabeath the king’s daughter and her recognition of what was transpiring, Joash the son of Ahathiah was spared. Jehoida the priest took Joash into his protective care. He hid and raised Joash in the house of God for six years.
The 23rd chapter of 2 Chronicles describes how Jehoida strengthened his leadership and planned a coup to place power in the rightful ruler, Joash (verse 3). He gathered the priests, organized them, and issued weapons. Joash was crowned king. When Athaliah learned of what had happened, she cried “Treason! Treason!” Here, the illegitimate ruler who only gained the crown through deceit, conniving, and murder, cries foul when the real ruler is recognized and crowned.
Jehoida garnered the loyal support of the priesthood and the people and, not wanting to slay her in the house of the Lord and thus desecrate God’s house, they seized her, took her away, and put her to death.
We are reminded again that God is sovereign, has a plan, and works His plan. Even when it seems that evil has triumphed and all hope is lost, God works in the small details (sometimes behind the scenes) to accomplish His will and His work. Why do we fret?
“ Of David. Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.” (Psalms 37:1-9, ESV)
REVDANS 