In the
fiftieth year of Azariah king of Judah Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to
reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years. And he did that which
was evil in the sight of Jehovah: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the
son of Nebat, wherewith he made Israel to sin. And Pekah the son of
Remaliah, his captain, conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, in the
castle of the king's house, with Argob and Arieh; and with him were fifty men
of the Gileadites: and he slew him, and reigned in his stead. 2
Kings 15:23-25
Pekahiah the King of Israel reigned
only two years. In that time, he did evil just as his predecessors. This is not
surprising because he is but one in a long succession of evil kings. Like
Shallum, there is not much said about Pekahiah. His reign was pretty
insignificant in the books of history. He was evil and he was killed by a group
of associates in a coup. He becomes like so many others even today.
Everyone
wants to be remembered for something. Some, however, are remembered for just
being evil and how they died. There are countless examples of men who committed
atrocities against God and man, and they are remembered for their evil and how
they die. In many of our states, capital punishment is the supreme penalty that
the state can take against the most violent of offenders. In most cases in our
news, we hear of a violent homicide, we hear of a trial, and then we wait. When
a verdict is given and the death penalty is the result of sentencing, then a
long and drawn out time of appeals occurs. In most instances, the death penalty
is carried out years after the crime, long since it has been fresh on the minds
of the average uninvolved person. When that day arises, the advocacy groups beg
for a pardon from the governor and it makes the news. The criminal is
remembered for his crime and the method of execution only.
Your
life is important and forgiveness is available in Christ Jesus, but only if you
will repent and turn. The Lord desires all to be saved (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy
2:4). However, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The death penalty is
that which will be carried out and the only appeal. The only pardon that will
be delivered is from Christ Jesus through obedience to the Gospel. Do not be
remembered for the evil you did and how you died. Be remembered as one of God’s
children.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
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