Day 170: Chronological Bible in One Year Devotion:
As we reflect on today’s passages, we are reminded that starting well is not enough—finishing well matters. We revisit the reign of Joash, a king who began his leadership with godly reform under the influence of Jehoiada the priest. Yet, after Jehoiada’s death, Joash turned away from the Lord, leading to his eventual assassination (2 Kings 12:17–21; 2 Chronicles 24:23–27).
This tragic ending shows us how easily one can drift when spiritual accountability is lost. Joash’s decline not only affected his personal life but also opened the door for foreign invasion, national instability, and his shameful end. A life that began with promise ended with failure because he forsook the God who had established him.
In 2 Kings 13, we meet Jehoahaz and Jehoash, kings of Israel, who also led lives marked by both failure and divine mercy. Though Jehoahaz did evil, God responded with compassion due to His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 23). Elisha, now near death, is still being used by God to prophesy victories over Aram, demonstrating that God’s purposes endure even in human weakness.
The symbolic act of striking the arrows (2 Kings 13:14–19) is another powerful reminder: partial obedience and limited faith can lead to limited victory. God had more in store, but Jehoash lacked the passion to claim it fully.
These accounts challenge us to:
Stay faithful even when spiritual mentors are no longer present.
Finish strong by clinging to God's Word, not people.
Understand that God's covenant mercy often sustains us, even when we fail.
Act in full obedience, not half-heartedly, to receive God’s best.
No matter how we started, our legacy is shaped by how we finish. Let us strive for a life marked by endurance, obedience, and unwavering trust in God.
Prayer: Lord, help me to finish well. Strengthen me to remain faithful when mentors are gone and distractions abound. Let my life be marked by full obedience and trust in Your enduring mercy. May I leave behind a legacy that honors You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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