SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: February, Year 2预览

Top Takeaway from Alonda Tanner:

Have you ever wondered why good things happen to bad people? In today's reading, we see the end of King Jehoshaphat's reign and watch the people of Judah turn away from God under the leadership of their new king (2 Chronicles 21:6).

This king had witnessed through his father's leadership what it looked like to live righteously. Yet, when it came time for him to reign, he chose differently. He murdered his brothers and other princes of Israel. When surrounding cities revolted against his wicked ways, he attacked and killed them. 

If you were the remnant in Judah (the few who were still committed to the Lord), you were probably wondering where God went in all of this. Eight years of suffering. Eight years of watching evil destroy all the good that had been built. Why do good things happen to people who intentionally do wrong? 

This next verse, 2 Chronicles 21:7, blew me away:

“Yet the Lord was not willing to destroy the house of David because of the covenant which He had made with David, and because He promised to give a lamp to him and his sons forever."

God could have wiped out King Jehoram and his family line. He was not blind to the evil that was in front of Him. But there was a bigger picture to consider; His covenant with David. In our human reasoning, we would be quick to justify removing King Jehoram from leadership. 

But what we wouldn't have been able to see in that moment is how that choice would affect the coming of our Messiah. It was promised He would come from the line of David. He is the King who will forever be on the throne of Judah. 

So while the people of Judah at the time may have been scared, distraught, or frustrated that God allowed such evil leadership to reign – what they didn't see is how the God of Covenant was coming through for them, preserving the path to life, even though it meant taking them through a season of darkness. 

God always considers His covenants. What we need to understand is that sometimes aligning with His covenant imputes mercy on people who seem the least likely to deserve it. What we can also count on is that in His perfect timing God will make all things right. 

For the city of Judah, that perfect time came 15 years later when the Lord raised up Joash, a righteous king, to claim the throne of Judah (2 Chronicles 23:3). 

As for you and I, we can eagerly anticipate the day the Lord makes all things right forever because we know that God declared it will come. He has proven, time and time again, that He is a God who keeps His promises. 

Lord, the more we study Your Word, the more we realize You are for us. We don't see things the way You do. You see the whole picture and know every intimate detail of what we're living. We ask today that You would give us the mind to understand, and peace when we don't, that no matter what we face, You have not forgotten Your covenant with us. You are coming back to make things eternally right and bring us new life in You. Thank You for being the One true God who always keeps His promises. We love You and we praise You. Amen.