2 Kings 14

 As 2 Kings 14 comes to an end, we learn that Jeroboam son of Jehoash becomes king.  He rules for 41 years.  His legacy?  He “lived an evil life” just like his family had many years ago – his name sake Jeroboam son of Nebat – “who led Israel into a life of sin”.  The legacy continues even though things were not good.  Scripture says life was lived in “bitterly hard times”, yet they did not repent and “no hope of help was anywhere in sight”.  Things were a bit tough but mankind in its stubbornness refuses to change and line up with God.  Fortunately “God wasn’t yet ready to blot out the name of Israel from history”.  That is a pretty strong statement isn’t it.  God must have been pretty darn irritated for that thought to even enter His mind.  But it is not unusual that a Holy God would be unhappy with the lives of His people when they refuse to line up with Him.  Instead of destruction – check out what scripture says here: God “used Jeroboam son of Jehoash to save them”.  God was not pleased with Jeroboam at all, yet He used him to save His people.  God is in control men.  He is the Master controller of the universe.  He can even use people who are not living in relationship with Him to get His way.  But how much sweeter would life have been for Jeroboam if he had walked with God.  Rather than living life in poverty and difficult times, he could have experienced God’s goodness and blessing. Just because of some stubborn and stupid choices.  We need to be careful we don’t do the exact same thing and miss God’s blessing because we are hard hearted and self focused.  Life matters.  Live it that way!