Hope in Hopeless Times
4/3/26 Bible Thought (2 Kings 12)
Main Idea: Even during dark times, God’s plans are sure.
A Brief Backdrop:
Our story left off with a new king on the throne named Joash or Jehoash. He was installed at seven years old, and things began well with a covenant-renewal ceremony, but would this king actually serve Yahweh?
Previously, his wicked grandmother, Athaliah, a daughter of King Ahab, had usurped the throne after the death of her son. While God had promised a sure dynasty to David, the experience in Judah couldn’t have been further from God’s promise. Even more, her husband Jehoram, the former king, was also one who followed in the ways of Ahab.
Jehoram, Ahaziah, and Athaliah, three consecutive wicked leaders, ruled in Judah. Three rulers following Ahab’s way of doing things and worshipping Ahab’s god—Baal. Yet things weren’t outside of the control of a covenant-keeping, sovereign God.
As we saw yesterday, a descendant of David was spared and installed on the throne at a young age. The influence of Ahab’s household on the nation of Judah seemed to be waning.
A Look at the Text:
It is here that our text picks up today, and we see quickly that Jehoash was a righteous king. Like all kings during this time, he wasn’t perfect; however, he got the most important thing right—He worshipped Yahweh, not Baal.
Jehoiada, the priest who installed him as king, took up a collection, and they determined to repair the house of the Lord. While it was initially delayed, the king ensured that it took place. Proper worship of Yahweh was reinstituted, and Baal was banished from Judah.
Bringing it Home:
As we saw yesterday, the testimony of Jehoash’s life is one of hope.
After approximately 15 years of turmoil and wickedness, there was security. Jehoram reigned nine years, Ahaziah only one, and Athaliah six. It was a quick succession of bad leadership, but now a righteous son, according to promise, was established upon the throne for a period of 40 years (2 Kings 12:1).
Let us take heart, then, that even though darkness tarries for a time, with a promise-keeping God, there is always a reason for hope. All of the sufferings and hardships of this present life are as a “light momentary affliction,” yet they prepare for us, “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17).
There is a Son of David who will never leave His throne. His reign is established eternally. We won’t have to fear leadership changes. We won’t have to fear evil. One day, all of God’s children will enjoy a blessed new creation in which righteousness dwells (2 Pet. 3:13), under the glorious reign of King Jesus.
The Son of David will never leave His throne.
In that, we can hope, even if the present is seemingly hopeless.
Challenge:
Do I faithfully remind myself of God’s sure promises when the world seems out of control?