June 17th

Today's reading in the One Year Bible Chronological Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 21:8-20, 2 Kings 8:23-29, 2 Chronicles 22:1-7, 2 Kings 9-10:17, 2 Chronicles 22:8-9, 2 Kings 10:18-31. For less flipping read 2 Chronicles 21:8-22:9, 2 Kings 8:23-10:31

Scripture
Jehoram was thirty-two year old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. 2 Chronicles 21:20 (emphasis mine)

Observation
King Jehoram was an evil king whose death was not regretted by anyone.

Application
What an incredible statement. "He passed away, to no one's regret".

In the world's eyes, and certainly in his own, King Jehoram had achieved wild success. He was King for 8 years, he was the absolute ruler of Judah. But he did not worship God, and without that there can be no true success.

This verse to me was such a reminder of our mortality and made me think again of the legacy I want to leave my children. Obviously the verse is harsh - I know that I will not pass away to no one's regret - but what will people say of the way I lived my life? How will I be remembered?

I want to leave behind a legacy of faith for my children. I know that my name will not be remembered in the history books, and that doesn't matter. I know that is not the definition of success. Success is living my life the way God intends me to live it, walking in His will, seeking Him in every area of my life in order to glorify His name. And it will take a lifetime of committed and consistent effort for that to happen.

I don't know who this quote is by, but it's a good one...

Live your life in such a way that when your feet his the floor in the morning, Satan shudders and says, "Oh no! She's awake!"

Prayer
Lord, we know that the years of our lives here on earth are few, especially viewed in light of eternity. Help us to do whatever we can during this short time to store up eternal treasures in heaven, our intended home. Give me the desire to live for You consistently, to each and every day be willing to take up my cross and follow You. I want to leave behind a legacy of faith.


Tomorrow's passage: 2 Kings 11:1-3, 2 Chronicles 22:10-12, 2 Kings 11:4-12, 2 Chronicles 23:1-11, 2 Kings 11:13-16, 2 Chronicles 23:12-15, 2 Kings 1:17-21, 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, 2 Kings 12:1-16, 2 Chronicles 24:1-22, 2 Kings 10:32-26. For less flipping read 2 Kings 11-12:16, 2 Kings 10:32-26, 2 Chronicles 22:10-24:22