Daily Devotional for Thursday, May 15

The Ascension of Joash

“Seven years old was Jehoash when he began to reign,” 2 Kings 11:21.

I must confess, I love watching royal events. Something about the pageantry, beauty and grandeur of a coronation and the procession that follows is always exciting. In May 2023, thousands waited in the rain for hours for just one glimpse of the new King of England. Across the globe, millions more watched the event live on television. The appearance of a new king is exciting!  

            The scene in Jerusalem in 835 BC was not much different. The day of Joash’s coronation had been carefully planned by Jehoiada, the high priest. He and his wife, Jehosheba, had protected Joash and raised him to be the legitimate king. Jehoiada bravely made a covenant with the palace guards without Queen Athaliah’s knowledge. Now, protected by the royal guards, Joash was crowned, anointed and proclaimed as the rightful king of the Southern Kingdom. Everyone gathered to praise God and escort the new king from Solomon’s Temple to Solomon’s palace. The people of Judah were overjoyed. It was a grand procession. After fifteen years of wicked rulers, many people must have thought they would never see a son of David sitting on the throne ever again. But God had made a promise to King David, and God always keeps His promises. One of David’s descendants finally sat on the throne once again. It was a great day of celebration!

            One day soon there will be another grand celebration. When King Jesus returns to earth to claim His rightful place and sit on the throne of David. Satan will be bound and all the earth will enjoy peace. God’s children will reign with Christ, proclaiming the good news for a thousand years. What a glorious time that will be!

REFLECTION

“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” 

(Revelation 20:6).

Karen Meigs