In 2 Chronicles 24-25, we learn about Joash and some of the details of his reign. We see that he began to rule when he was seven years old – only a boy (verse 1). We also notice that he “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest” (verse 2). As long as Jehoiada is alive and providing guidance to the king, Joash serves the Lord properly. One of his first acts as king was to rebuild and “restore the temple” (verse 4). He charged the priests and the Levites with the responsibility of carrying out the work, but “they did not act at once” (verse 5). We see that their delay resulted in a desecration of the “temple and its sacred objects by the sons of that wicked woman Athaliah” (verse 7). We see here that a delay in acting on a good opportunity for service is not good. Eventually, however, the restoration work was completed, and “as long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented continually” (verse 14). However, “Jehoiada was old and full of years … and after his death, the people abandoned the temple of the LORD” (verses 15-19). Thus, God raised up Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, and he told the people, “because you have forsaken the LORD, He has forsaken you” (verse 20). Here, we see the subsequent wickedness of Joash, who ordered the stoning of Zechariah (verse 21). In chapter 25, we see that Amaziah comes to the throne, and although “he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, he did not serve the LORD with a whole heart” (verses 1-2). It amazes me how people can begin to serve the Lord faithfully but then revert back into extreme wickedness. In Amaziah’s case, “he brought back the gods of the people of Seir and set them up as his own gods – bowing down to them and burning sacrifices to them” (verse 14). This is why we need to stand firm in our faith (cf., 1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:11-13; and 1 Peter 5:9).
In today’s section of Psalm 102, verses 18-28, we see God’s concern for “future generations” (verse 18). The Psalmist includes us in this Psalm – “a people not yet created” – that we “may praise the LORD” (verse 18). This is an amazing thought – that God was mindful to include us in the book of Psalms. From heaven, God sees and hears everything that is going on – “He looked down from His sanctuary on high” (verse 19) to “hear our groans” (verse 20). I can’t imagine how it must break God's heart to see the mess that mankind has made of His world. We all come and go, but He “remains the same - His years will never end” (verse 27). We have difficulty understanding an eternal Being, but as we have already seen – whether we like it or not – He is going to call us to account (cf., 2 Chronicles 24:22).
Today we come to the end of 1 Corinthians with chapter 16. In this book, we have seen that ten major problems plagued the believers in Corinth, and these problems can creep into any Bible-believing church today. To review, we have seen divisiveness (1 Corinthians 1:10-4:21); immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1-13); lawsuits among believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-11); sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:12-20); issues of marriage and singleness (1 Corinthians 7:1-40); offensive behavior (1 Corinthians 8:1-11:1); propriety in worship (1 Corinthians 11:2-16); communion issues (1 Corinthians 11:17-34); spiritual gifts abuses (1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40); and misunderstandings about the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-58). Paul addressed each of these problems to the Corinthian believers and for our benefit. We must ensure that the church is characterized by purity. Here in 16:5-24, Paul now closes out this letter - sharing and detailing his plans for future ministry. He hopes to come to Corinth and “spend time with” the believers there – doubtless to help them grow deeper in their faith. He challenges the Corinthian believers with the need to “be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong; do everything in love” (verse 13).
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