READING:
One-year plan: 2 Chronicles 24-28
Two-year plan: Psalm 117-118, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16
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The summary of the death and burial of the priest Jehoiada, who had hidden Joash in his young age and had influenced him largely for good, is simple and to the point in today’s reading: “But Jehoiada grew old and full of days, and died. He was 130 years old at his death. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, and toward God and his house” (2 Chron 24:15-16). His old age likely indicated God’s blessing on him, his living longer than Joseph, Moses, Aaron, or Joshua. The choice of the people to bury him among the kings showed the respect they gave to him; indeed, the priest’s burial among the kings was a unique honor.
Likely known best for challenging Israel to be faithful to the covenant and for repairing the temple, Jehoiadah left his mark. As I think about my own desire to live and die well, Jehoiada is a reminder that we end our lives well when we choose to live our lives well. We do not just “wake up” at the end of life and try to make up for failures in the past; instead, how we live today will be a factor in how others remember us when we die.
Let’s make wise choices in following the Lord today. We must do good toward God and others.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How do you want to be remembered when you die?
PRAYER: “Father, lead me to faith and obedience today.”
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: 2 Chronicles 29-32
Two-year plan: Psalm 119:1-44, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
MEMORIZATION VERSE (May 16-31)
“O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” (2 Chron 20:12)
