Reading
SAA Notes
Jehu’s family reigns in Samaria for four generations. The fifth generation king Zechariah reigns for only 6 months. Remember the proverbs: for 3 generations and for 4 … . The story of Azariah’s (Uzziah) leprosy is in 2 Chronicles 26. Azariah was a believer who thought he was as good spiritually as those appointed to the offices in the church (i.e. then priests, or now, elders and minister). He went up in the Temple to offer incense and prayer without the call or appointment of God.
SJA Notes
* Loving God, may we be companions of all who fear You, of those who keep Your precepts.
“He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, …”
Here we see Israel falling apart; conspiracies, murder, corruption, defeated by enemies and terrible atrocities committed.
The sins of “Jeroboam the son of Nebat” are mentioned five times alone in this reading (they’ve been a constant refrain).
It was a destructive influence Jeroboam had on Israel.
And his sins boil down to one descriptor – idolatry.
In 1 Kings 12 we read of Jeroboam’s motivation,
“If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the LORD at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, …”
Jeroboam used false religion as a tool to maintain his power and influence.
False religion is all around us today. Sometimes it can be easy to see, and sometimes it is hidden right beside us in our lives.
This passage is an encouragement to put off our old selves and put on our new selves, as we read in Ephesians 4, and in Romans 12,
“… Created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
It is His likeness, not ours. His righteousness, not ours. His holiness, not ours.
* Dear Father in Heaven,
Please forgive us Lord, for our sin today.
Please wash us clean.
Aright our hearts and minds that we might walk in a manner pleasing to You.
Amen.