2 Kings 11:1–3: “When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being murdered; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. So he was hidden with her in the house of the LORD for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land.”

August 5th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

In Scripture, Queen Jezebel is pointed to as the epitome of evil. She led Israel into open idolatry and tried to completely wipe out the worship of God. Her daughter, Athaliah, made in her mother’s image, led Judah astray as well. Athaliah influenced her husband, Jehoram, to kill all of his brothers. After Jehoram’s death, her son Ahaziah was king for a short time. But when he died, her love for power caused her to try to kill her grandchildren who were rivals to the throne she wanted. Have you noticed how this story sounds more and more like Cinderella or Snow White? Truth is more interesting than fantasy.

So here in the history of Israel, the wicked grandmother, Queen Athaliah, ruled for 6 years, while the young prince grew up hidden in the temple. The wife of the high priest, Jehosheba, is a type of all godly parents and believers who want God’s best for their children. Young Joash is a type of those children who are easy prey for the enemy. Parents must guard them and train them carefully.

Where are the godly parents of the 21st century who are training their children? If the church does not reach out to children, if godly parents do not train their children, and if concerned believers do not influence the lives of children, then hell will capture their minds and hearts and destroy them.

“LORD, give us the courage and concern to reach out today in prayer and actions to influence young people all around us.”