2 Chronicles 24:20–21 (ESV): “20 Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’ ” 21 But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the Lord.”
When wickedness prevails over a nation, the prophets of God are murdered. However, God’s people must continue to preach the Gospel at all costs. Silence is not an option.
After Jehoram died, his son Ahaziah reigned for one year. The Lord used Jehu to strike down Ahaziah and his brothers because of their wickedness. When his mother, Athaliah, heard about it, she destroyed all the royal family of the house of Judah—except for Joash. Jehoiada the priest taught him the ways of God, but when Jehoiada died, Joash abandoned the Lord. He followed the counsel of the princes of Judah. So the Lord sent Zechariah to call out this sin, but Joash didn’t want to hear it and killed Zechariah. As Zechariah was dying, he said, “May the Lord see and avenge!”
Are you speaking up in these dark days, or remaining silent? Jesus promised us persecution, yet we must never cease sharing the Gospel for fear of men. It is the power of God unto salvation for those who believe. The world may not like the message. Kings and rulers may even murder those who continue to speak on behalf of God. Regardless, stay true to the mission. The days are certainly wicked. The world needs Jesus. So share Him at all costs. Amen?
Father, fill us with boldness to speak the words of life to those who are perishing. Baptize us in Your Spirit and use us, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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