Where's His Family?

Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 22

Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king's sons who were about to be put to death. (2 Chronicles 22.11)

Devotional Thought: It was late.  Or maybe it was early...  I found myself at the emergency room with someone loosely connected to the church.  His family had decided they had more important things to do.  I confess that it was easy to think, "Where's his family?  If I'm going to be here, then they ought to be here!"  The Holy Spirit, in grace, helped me to repent and come to the place that I could say, "I'm glad I'm here.  If I wasn't here, this poor guy would be all alone."

Sometimes the people that ought to be with you are actually against you.  That was the case of the poor little baby Joash.  Athaliah, his grandmother, should have been protecting him.  Instead, when Joash's father - Athaliah's son! - had been killed, Athaliah saw her opportunity to seize power.  She killed all her grandchildren and step-grandchildren in order to succeed to the throne.  The one who should have been Joash's protector was intent on being his killer. 

But, God had placed someone in Joash's life at just the right time,  Jehoshabeath, his sister, rose to the occasion and was there with and for the baby Joash.  Risking her own life, Jehoshabeath stole the baby away in the confusion and hid him from his wicked grandmother.  Instead of harboring anger or ambition, Jehoshabeath became a way of escape.

Do you know people whose families have deserted them, or worse, whose families are destroying them?  Will you, like Jehoshabeath, become a friend to them in their need?  Do you know people who are being destroyed by sin?  Will you steal them away from death through your prayers and friendship?  Will you be their family?

Prayer: Lord, I often wonder about the lack of love and support families give to one another.  Instead of being appalled or angry, help me to feel compassion and stand in the gap, giving them love and protection.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 68:28-35

28 Summon your power, O God, the power, O God, by which you have worked for us.

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bear gifts to you.

30 Rebuke the beasts that dwell among the reeds, the herd of bulls with the calves of the peoples. Trample underfoot those who lust after tribute; scatter the peoples who delight in war.

31 Nobles shall come from Egypt; Cush shall hasten to stretch out her hands to God.

32 O kingdoms of the earth, sing to God; sing praises to the Lord, Selah

33 to him who rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; behold, he sends out his voice, his mighty voice.

34 Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.

35 Awesome is God from hissanctuary; the God of Israel--he is the one who gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!