Bible Pathway - May 27, 2010
Highlights:
Jehoram's evil reign over Judah. The Lord smote him . . . with an incurable disease. . . he . . . departed without being desired (II Chr. 21:18-20). Don't overlook vss 20 & 21 of chapter 24. King Ahaziah also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab . . . to do wickedly (22:3). Athaliah takes over the throne of Judah, murders all her grandchildren except one child destined for the genealogy of Jesus; Joash's reign is influenced by Jehoiada the priest; the Temple repaired and revival in the land; after Jehoiada dies, Joash does evil.
Jehoshaphat was a successful ruler and his Kingdom of Judah flourished, but he foolishly put policy before principle in his son Jehoram's marriage to Ahab's wicked daughter Athaliah.
As is often the case, Jehoram was more greatly influenced by his idol-worshipping wife more than by his father's godliness. After the death of Jehoshaphat, his son Jehoram proceeded to destroy all the godly influence of his father's reign. He also slew all his brethren with the sword. . . . And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel . . . for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought (did) that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord. . . . Moreover he . . . caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication (worship false gods), and . . . Judah thereto (II Chr. 21:4,6,11).
Jehoram is a solemn warning to all parents of the importance of their children marrying a godly person. Can a young couple stand side by side before God and take their wedding vows to be united with each other except in spiritual things? Can they have interests in common — except the most vital of all — Jesus as head of their family? Can they talk with openhearted confidence about everyone else except for the most precious and personal of all — the Lord Jesus Christ? One is preparing for an inheritance incorruptible (I Pet. 1:4) and the other treasureth up . . . wrath against the day of wrath (Rom. 2:5).
Marriage to an unsaved partner is open violation against the Word of God that states: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (II Cor. 6:14). Even to consider marriage to someone with whom you agree in everything except your relationship with Christ is to question the authority and wisdom of the Word of God. An unequally yoked marriage usually results in many conflicts and a lifetime of regret.
God still asks: What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel (unbeliever) (II Cor. 6:15)?
Thought for Today:
Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord . . . and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty (II Cor. 6:17-18).
Christ Portrayed:
By Jehoiada, the high priest, who faithfully hid and protected Joash (II Chr. 23:1-11). Jesus is our High Priest (Heb. 5:5-10) and we are hid with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).
Word Studies:
21:9 compassed him in =b> surrounded him; 21:19 of sore diseases =b> in severe suffering; no burning for him =b> no funeral fire to honor him; 22:10 seed royal =b> royal offspring of the house of David; 23:9 bucklers =b> small shields; 23:14 Have her forth of the ranges =b> take her outside beyond the Temple under guard; 24:13 in his state =b> in its original condition; 24:25 great diseases =b> intense suffering.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR) and Sen. Christopher Dodd (CT) • Country: Libya (5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and Italian • No form of Christian witness to Libyans is permitted • 98% Muslim; 2% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Draw near to God in prayer with a clean and pure heart (James 4:8).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 14
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:6
