2
kings 11 gives us a new perspective on who the heroes in life really
are. First some background; King Jehu had successfully destroyed the
descendents of wicked King Ahab in the Northern tribe of Israel. In
the Southern tribe of Judah, Athaliah (the daughter of Ahab and
Jezebel) had taken control after her son was killed in battle. Her
first act was to kill everyone related to King David. “When
Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she
proceeded to destroy the whole royal family“.
Immediately we are introduced to a brave woman that quietly
intervened. “Jehosheba…
took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal
princes, who were about to be murdered… He remained hidden with his
nurse at the temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled
the land”.
She literally
risked her own life to save the child. More often than not, heroes
are just people that do the right thing in spite of the personal
dangers they may face.
Jehoiada
the priest was a godly man that also risked his own life for the hope
of the young prince.
After
years of planning
and
teaching, “Jehoiada
brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him; he presented him
with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. Despite
his age, this young king had the wisdom of God’s Word to guide him.
Even
though this was done in secret, those present could not contain their
enthusiasm.
“They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and
shouted, ‘Long live the king!'” And
we read, “When
Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went
to the people at the temple of the Lord. She looked and there was
the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and
the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land
were rejoicing and blowing trumpets”.
Clearly she was not liked.
Jehoiada
the priest ordered the commanders: “Bring
her out between the ranks and put to the sword anyone who follows
her“.
And like her mother Jezebel, she died without honor.
So they seized her as she reached the place where the horses enter
the palace grounds, and there she was put to death”.
And the chapter concludes,
“Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king”.
And
we see that courage is contagious!
“All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it
down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces“.
“The king then took his place on the royal throne, and all the
people of the land rejoiced”.
“Joash was seven years old when he began to reign”.
My
friend,
all that is required to be a hero in the kingdom of God is to take
that step of faith. By our trust in God, we encourage those around
us. “May
the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of
unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one
heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ”
(Romans 15:5).