2 Chronicles 23:21

REFLECTIONS

I WOULD pass over both the history itself, and all the circumstances connected with it, while I review the gracious events the Lord's right hand here accomplished, to give my meditation wing in flying to the yet more precious subject of that revolution wrought by grace, when sin and rebellion, with all the usurpation of Satan, are put down in the heart of man. I desire to bless God for the mercies here wrought for his Judah, and that he raised up this Jehoiada for the deliverance of his people. But oh! my soul, think of that everlasting deliverance wrought for all his people, when God our Father brought forth his dear Son, his true Jehoiada, hid from ages and generations, and set him as his King in Zion, when declaring the decree of redemption in his name. Here was the everlasting overthrow of Satan's usurpation, tyranny, and power over our poor nature! Here was the final destruction of false gods, when the heathen oracles, by the coming of the Lord Jesus, were struck dumb forever. And here was the introduction of that glorious kingdom of righteousness and peace, which shall flourish forever. Hail, thou glorious, thou almighty Jesus! I see thee and thy lovely form beautifully shadowed forth in the character of Jehoiada, who ministered in thy name! Thou hast made a covenant indeed in thy blood and righteousness: for thou thyself art the whole of it. And it is thou that hast both set up the reform, and art the wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption of thy people. Oh! dearest Jesus! while the Father crowns thee King in Zion, and all the redeemed congratulate thee in thy coronation in the church of the first-born which are in heaven, do thou by the influences of thine Holy Spirit enable my soul to put the crown of my own personal redemption on thy sacred head, that I may exult as the people here did in the view of their lawful sovereign, for thou art my lawful God and King forevermore. And oh! my gracious Lord, while thou art blessing me with the communications of thy love, and my soul truly enjoys the fullness of blessings under thy reign, let thy grace draw out my heart in thy service, that all the idols of creature affection may be destroyed, and Jesus alone govern my heart and affections forever.