New

I was in 2 Chronicles 24 today. Once again I read the account of Joash, one of the kings of Judah. He was 7 years old when he became king and reigned for 40 years. As long as Jehoiada the priest was alive to give this young king wise and godly counsel, Joash "did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight." (verse 2) But once Jehoiada died, King Joash was able to be led astray by some unnamed leaders. Despite prophetic warnings, King Joash not only continued to worship other gods, but by his order, he also had Zechariah, the Spirit filled prophet, put to death!

This Sunday, my husband will be preaching on John 3:16-17, a scripture many of us know well. "Nothing new" we say. "Heard it before."  So how can we look at it in a new way? How can we prevent ourselves from falling into the trap that Joash fell into? First, we cannot look to our priest (or pastor) to make us do what is pleasing in the LORD's sight. Second, we need to believe that God's mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and His Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Let's approach the Book of John like it's new. Read it and mediate on it. Decide not to be led astray by anyone. What is God telling us about Himself? What is He instructing us to do?

"Behold I make all things new." Revelation 21:5