Topic: He Watches Over His Own — Thursday November 9, 2017.
Text: 2 Kings 11:1-12
Key Verse: “And he brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king” (2 Kings 11:12 ).
In Psalm 2, King David presents a picture that celebrates God’s ultimate universal rule despite every device of the enemy to thwart His plans. After wondering why puny kings and the lords of the earth gather to unseat Him whom the Lord has anointed to reign, David mocks their antics and predicts the outcome of the contest between God and man: “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure”
It was this fate that befell Athaliah who sought to abort God’s plan to bring the Messiah into the world for mankind’s salvation through the lineage of David. Jehu killed her son Ahaziah and so she attempted to destroy all the other princes. God would not allow that because they were the descendants of David whom He promised would be the progenitor of the coming Messiah in 2 Samuel 7. Athaliah thought she had killed all the princes. But God hid one, Joash, through Jehosheba who protected him in the temple. God took care of Him for six years while Athaliah ruled in terror and wickedness. During the period, she never had time for the temple since her preoccupation was idolatry. Eventually, Joash was unveiled as the king of Judah and Athaliah was executed. God won!
He always does. Knowing and believing God’s promises to watch over His beloved children under all circumstances should enhance our respect and honour for Him. We should hold Him in greater awe and obey Him more for His love and care. With faith in His power to preserve, we ought not fear the threats of the world while reaching out to sinners with the gospel. He who aborted the plot against Joash and the messianic line will continue to preserve us.
Thought for the day: God is a sure Refuge and Strength to those who lean on Him.
Bible Reading in one Year: Isaiah 34-37
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.