This chapter parallels 2 Ki 11, describing the coronation of King Jehoash and the execution of Athaliah.
“And Jehoiada [the chief priest] made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. Then all the people went to the house of Baal and tore it down… And Jehoiada posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the Levitical priests and the Levites… to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, as it is written in the Law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of David. So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.” (v16-18, 21 abr)
At this point all of God’s chosen people have returned to their spiritual roots. Judah has returned to the “order of David”, and Israel under the rule of Jehu has also cast out evil and false gods. This is a glorious time.
I’m looking forward to the day where this happens again, for the final time. I’m talking about the final purge of all that is evil, so only what is from God remains. That will be a day of true rejoicing.
In the meantime, we can still cast evil out of our own lives, with God’s help of course. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psa 51:7) “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (Jn 15:2)
It’s clear God wishes to cleanse and prune us, so that we may become more fruitful servants of His Kingdom here on earth. Though pruning and deep soul cleansing may be uncomfortable, the benefits far outweigh the discomfort. Let’s embrace God and the work He is doing in our lives today.
Father God, our Glorious Lord and Most High King, we praise You with our words and actions. Please cleanse us of all sin, and prune our hearts so we may bear more fruit. We long to honor, serve and obey You with all our hearts, souls, bodies, and minds. In doing so may Your kingdom flourish and grow on earth until the day Your ultimate Kingdom arrives. Spirit please guide us on these paths of righteousness, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training