This chapter details the reign of Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son.
“Moreover, [Jehoram] made high places in the hill country of Judah and led the inhabitants of Jerusalem into whoredom and made Judah go astray. And the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the anger of the Philistines and of the Arabians… And they… invaded… and carried away all the possessions they found… And after all this the Lord struck him… with an incurable disease… and he died in great agony. His people made no fire in his honor, like the fires made for his fathers… And he departed with no one’s regret. They buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. (v11, 16-20 abr)
Jehoram was such an evil king (a huge contrast to his father and grandfather) that Judah’s ally nations rebelled against him. His own people did not honor him, not even in his death, and “he departed with no one’s regret”. Nobody shed a tear, or performed a proper funeral/burial when the Jehoram died. That’s not a very good legacy.
What kind of legacy do we want to leave behind? Inevitably we will all leave this earth, and we get to influence how we will be remembered. I encourage us to read through Hebrews 11 – this great chapter shows how the author remembered and honored those who came before them. It recounts some great deeds, but mostly it honors people for their deep and undying faith in God.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.” (Heb 11:1-2)
Do we want to be remembered for our deeds alone (good or bad), or would we rather be commended for our faith? When I leave this earth, I want my ‘celebration of life’ to celebrate the life available to us through Jesus. I don’t want people celebrating me for my achievements, but celebrating God for the work He did in and through me.
I encourage us to consider our future legacy – if we don’t like what we see, we can make changes now, before it’s too late. We can influence how we’re remembered, and we can start today.
Father God, our Most High King, we praise Your holy and gracious name. You have blessed us with the gift of leaving a legacy. Father, just as Jesus left a legacy (His teachings and Your Holy Spirit), may we too leave a kingdom-building legacy that strengthens others. Please help us to partner with You in this world, allowing Your Spirit to work in and through us, so You are glorified in our passing. Father we ask that all of our words and actions would be for Your glory and honor, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training