Reaping Fruits of Evil

TEXT: 2 Chronicles 24:15-22

The depraved nature has always pushed
man to do things that are outrightly against
God and conscience, even when one has
enjoyed divine blessings. In fact, experience
has shown that the more blessings some
people enjoy, the more prodigal they
become to God. For instance, Saul, the first
King of Israel, stood before Goliath of Gath
in utter helplessness and God raised up
David, a seventeen-year old boy to
terminate the national reproach and
collective shame.

This feat was appreciated
by Saul for a while, but he soon forgot
history and sought to kill the innocent
youth.
In all of Israel, Joash was the youngest king
to reign. He reigned for forty years. Jehoida
the high priest was his godly benefactor,
guiding him in the way of godliness and
righteousness. He was like a father to the
young King and under his fatherly
guidance, Joash repaired the temple and
Judah began to prosper again. But after the
death of Jehoida who was buried among
the kings for his goodness towards God
and the people, the princes of Judah led the
king into sin and apostasy. Joash lacked
sufficient moral courage to resist ungodly
pressures.

Soon, his ears were turned away
from the warnings of the prophets.
Jehoida’s son, Zechariah confronted the
king on the consequences of his sin and
abandoning God. Rather than listen, he got
him killed.
There are many who act like King Joash
today. Such people benefit from the
goodness and kindness of other people but
turn around to repay good with evil. Some
people tend to lose their head when they
come to fame and riches. In the case of
Joash, it was worse than merely repaying
evil for good, for Jehoida, Zecharia’s father
was like a father to him. Zecharia‘s
admonition was for the king to turn away
from sin to save his soul and the people. He
was not asking for any undeserved favour.
Is there anyone somewhere who has
pointed out the evil in our way such as
should make us grateful and appreciative?
Or are we thinking about how to mete out
acts of wickedness to such a fellow?

Let us
take heed lest the curse which came upon
those who did such wicked thing come on
us. Those who warn us against sin should
be our best friends, not enemies.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Do not repay evil for good.