Day 171 - God's Limitless Love (2 Kings 12-13, 2 Chronicles 24) - Year 2
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TODAY'S READING:

• 2 Kings 13:1-11, 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-25

WORD OF THE DAY:

-  Limit

In today's Bible passages, we encounter the end of Jehoahaz’s reign and the beginning of Jehoash's rule in Israel, alongside the continuation of Joash's story in Judah. Jehoahaz did evil in the Lord’s sight, leading to Israel's defeat by King Hazael and Ben-Hadad. However, when Jehoahaz prayed for mercy, God listened, but the people continued to sin. His son, Jehoash, followed in his father's footsteps and refused to turn from Jeroboam’s sins.

In Judah, King Joash’s story ends tragically as he attempts to bargain with King Hazael by sending treasures from the temple, only to be defeated by the Arameans. His advisors then plot and succeed in taking his life.

Amidst this, we also witness a poignant moment as the prophet Elisha nears death. King Joash visits Elisha, who gives him prophetic instructions involving arrows, symbolizing victories over Aram. Joash's limited obedience results in only three victories, showcasing the impact of his actions. After Elisha’s death, a miracle occurs when a dead man revives upon touching Elisha's bones, displaying God's enduring power and compassion towards Israel despite their disobedience.

Word of the Day: Limit

Limit - a restriction on the size or amount of something permissible or possible.

Today’s readings reveal the limits of human actions contrasted with God's limitless love and mercy. Despite the continual sin and partial obedience of Israel’s kings, God’s compassion endures, rooted in His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His promises tempered His anger. And while human actions may be flawed and limited, God's faithfulness remains steadfast.

Joash and Jehoahaz had opportunities to turn to God entirely, but their limited commitments led to partial victories and continued struggles. This serves as a reminder of the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. The story of Elisha and Joash emphasizes how limited actions can affect the extent of God’s blessings and victories in our lives.

The narratives of these kings teach us valuable lessons on obedience and spiritual leadership. Joash did what was right while Jehoiada was alive but strayed once he was gone. This shift underscores the necessity of instilling lasting spiritual values rather than relying on external guidance.

We, too, risk losing our spiritual bearings if we depend solely on external authorities. Developing a personal, heartfelt relationship with God is crucial, ensuring our actions align with His will out of genuine conviction.

The stories of Jehoahaz, Jehoash, and Joash highlight the limits of human effort and the limitless nature of God’s love and mercy. Despite their failures, God remained faithful to His covenant. This reminds us that we can trust God's unfailing love and compassion even when we fall short.

Let’s cultivate deep, personal devotion to God, allowing His word to guide our actions. Recognize our human limitations and lean into God's limitless grace and mercy. Trust that when we turn to Him, He will show up, ready to restore and bless us beyond our limitations.

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