WOMEN of CHARACTER: ATHALIAH: Grasping for Power……………….from 2 Kings 11 She was most likely the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, if that gives you any clue as to how her character was probably molded. Born in power, raised in power, she never learned how to release power---and never learned that greatness finds those who aren’t even seeking it. First, a Quick Read: The guards, each with his weapon in his hand, stationed themselves around the king—near the altar and the temple, from the southside to the north side of the temple. Jehoiada brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, “Long live the king!” When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the LORD. She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of units of a hundred, who were in charge of the troops: “Bring her out between the ranks and put to the sword anyone who follows her.” For the priest had said, “She must not be put to death in the temple of the LORD.” So they seized her as she reached the place where the horses enter the palace grounds, and there she was put to death. 2Kings 11:11-16 When You Think about It: Ask committed Christians if they understand that Jesus is the leader instead of them, and they will give you and odd look and say, “Well, of course Jesus is the leader.” Yet if we believe this, why do we live as if we’re in charge of our lives so much of the time? On the surface, it sounds so simple: Jesus is the leader; we are the followers. But knowing that theological fact and living that discipleship truth are vastly different. As Christians, we should begin every day by affirming this truth: “Jesus is the leader; I am the follower. My goal today is to follow His schedule, accomplish His agenda, reach His destination, and love whoever He sends my way.” That is true discipleship. Anything else or anything less is folly. As disciples, we should ask God to remind us every day how silly it is for us to think we are the leaders. Being the follower is a wonderful role, a role to celebrate, the role of a lifetime. Live every day with that profound truth in mind, and you’ll take a giant step forward in becoming a better follower of Jesus.---John Kramp Being powerful is like being a lady: If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.----Margaret Thatcher LOOK AT IT THIS WAY: Athaliah was the daughter of a king(Ahab), sister of a king (Ahaziah of Israel), wife of a king(Jehoram), and mother of a king(Ahaziah of Judah). A little confusing, isn’t it? She herself remained forever confused by her roles, never content being on the sidelines of power. That’s why when her last grasp at royalty seemed at an end with her son’s death, she killed all the grandsons she could get her hands on to claim the crown for herself. Isn’t it shocking what the lust for power will make some people do? CHARACTER CHECK: Maintaining control over ourselves is job enough without needing to dominate others. If you’re battling issues of power and control, confess it today. Trust God’s power to help. Goodnight.........FB
Posted on: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 19:56:52 +0000
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