Passage Read: 2 Kings 12-15
Meditation Verse: 13:23
Thought
Joash is one of the few kings of Israel that had something of a good relationship with God's prophets. He seems to have been on good terms with Elisha, and the Lord granted him some success as king. But Israel never turned away from Jeroboam's idols. Generation after generation, they provoked the Lord to anger. And here, the recorder reminds us that it was because of the Lord's covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that they received His compassion and protection in spite of their many sins. The Lord was not willing to destroy Israel or cast them out of the land because of God's promise to their fathers. But this reminder also serves as a warning, because time is running out for Israel. Jehu's line is about done, then a quick succession of usurpers and the nation is overthrown. It's as if the recorder is saying, "Up to this point, the Lord has endured the rebellion, but time is running out." And it did. They never appreciated the grace they received; they continued to abuse it, as if it would last forever. But that's not how God's covenants work. The people need to keep up their part, otherwise the judgment that is also a part of the covenant will come.
Application
I do not honor God or the New Covenant in Jesus' blood if I claim to believe it but don't listen to Jesus and live as He commands. If I claim to believe in Jesus but live however I think best, I'm abusing God's grace just as surely as the Israelites were, and I shouldn't think God will overlook my disregard for His holiness and let me remain in His kingdom. He saved me to change me, and I need to submit to His will and His Spirit to be changed. An uncaring and rebellious nation may endure for many generations, but I only have the days of my life on earth to get myself into a correct relationship with God. And I don't know the length of my life, so I'd better not put off or play games with God.