April 13, 2026 - 2 Kings 14-16

“In the second year of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz king of Israel, Amaziah son of Joash king of Judah began to reign.  He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Jehoaddan; she was from Jerusalem.  He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, but not as his father David had done. In everything he followed the example of his father Joash.  The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there” (14:1-4).  Among the kings of Israel and Judah were the great David, some who were not faithful, and some who were mixed bags when it came to faithfulness.  The description of Amaziah is representative of many:  “He did what was right . . . however . . .”  That description pretty much sums up our lives, also, doesn’t it?  “We have been faithful in many things . . . however . . .”  It’s good to know, isn’t it, that we have a Savior who is different that we, a “spotless lamb” (1 Peter 1:19); a Savior who “committed not sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (1 Peter 2:22); a Savior who was tempted in all the ways we are, yet was “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Glory be to Jesus,

who in bitter pains

poured for me the lifeblood

from his sacred veins.

Grace and life eternal

in that blood I find;

blest be his compassion,

infinitely kind.

Lift we, then, our voices,

swell the mighty flood;

louder still and louder

praise the precious blood!   -- Edward Caswall (1857)