Tag: Jehoram
A Funeral “Celebration”!
Scripture reading for April 29th: 2nd Chronicles 21-25
At a person’s death, there is usually a time of reflection concerning the life that was lived. Loved ones and friends gather to remember the good in the person. The preacher usually looks for some sign of redemption in the life that was lived in order to bring comfort to those who are mourning. But what can be said if a person dies, and no one regrets his death? What if instead of mourning, their passing brings a celebration? This is what is encountered in today’s reading!
Jehoram was the oldest of six sons of King Jehoshaphat. When Jehoshaphat passed, he designated Jehoram as the heir to the kingdom. Jehoram promptly executed his six brothers as well as other leaders who may have threatened him. (2nd Chronicles 21:3-4) Scripture states that Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel who were wicked. One of the reasons was a wife who happened to be a daughter of Ahab and Jezebel. The ways of these kings was one of idolatry and false religion. They rejected the law of the Lord and set up their own idolatrous religious system.
The consequences of Jehoram’s rebellion should stop and make us think. We find Edom rebelling against Judah followed by Libnah and then the Philistines and Arabs. War and strife are results of rebellion. Enemies who would be silenced by the fear of the Lord that rests upon godly leaders, are suddenly emboldened when idolatry and wickedness is present.
God tried to warn Jehoram. He allowed him grace because of a covenant that He had made with David, but warned him with a letter from the godly prophet Elijah. Elijah spelled out Jehoram’s rebellion, murder of his innocent brothers, and idolatry. He then plainly told him of the consequences. Jehoram and his family would be struck with a heavy blow. Jehoram would have a lingering disease of the bowels and die. (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15) In spite of the warning, Jehoram refused to repent and he suffered the consequences!
The record concludes with Jehoram’s gruesome death after two years of a lingering illness. This man lived such a wicked life, that no one mourned his passing. No one regretted his life ending so soon! (2nd Chronicles 21:19-20) One can even imagine that there was a celebration that this wicked man had finally got what was due him! May this never be said of us!
He passed away, to no one’s regret!
Scripture reading for April 29th: 2nd Chronicles 21-25
I have officiated at many funerals. Most have been fairly well attended and most have been for people who knew the Lord and had a Christian testimony. Sometimes there much crying and mourning because of the great loss of that person’s life. Sorrow is normal and mourning can go on for several months or more. Usually, if a person is a great leader or a person who has had public contact and great influence, the funeral is well attended and many kind words are said. I remember attending the funeral of a famous Christian musician and songwriter. The service was three hours long and the graveside service another half-hour! This man ended well and there were lots of people who were sad that he had departed. Of course, we all rejoiced that he was with the Lord for he had a strong Christian testimony.
In today’s reading, we have the story of King Jehoram. King Jehoram was a king of Judah who did evil in the Lord’s eyes. He married a daughter of the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. God raised up enemies who constantly caused trouble in Jehoram’s kingdom. Jehoram sought idols and built pagan shrines instead of seeking the Lord. The prophet Elijah sent him a letter that told him of his sins and the coming consequences. (2nd Chronicles 21:12-15) This letter warns of God striking Jehoram’s family and then the king himself with a wasting disease of the bowels. It appears that Jehoram was unresponsive to God’s warning.
God aroused the Philistines and Arabs, and they attacked Jerusalem and carried off all of Jehoram’s sons but the youngest. Jehoram was afflicted with the disease of the bowels and he died in great pain. There is no record that he sought the Lord or tried to find help from God. When this king died, there was no big funeral or celebration of remembrance. No one mourned or was sad to see this king leave this world. No one regretted his passing!
How are you living your life? What kind of legacy are you leaving behind in your community and family? What will people say about you and your life when you pass from the scene? More importantly, what will God say about your life? Will the only record be that you “did evil in the eyes of the Lord”? (2nd Chronicles 21:6) My prayer is that you hear “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25: 23)