Ouch. 

Here is a man who died without eulogy. No one stood to deliver moving words recounting great deeds. No one shared fond memories. No one had a kind word. No tears were shed. 

No one ignited a bonfire. No one suggested he be laid to rest with his ancestors. 

Truth be told, his death was a relief. What a horrible human. It didn’t have to be that way. However, King Jehoram made every wrong decision a leader can make. He ignored God’s instructions and warnings. He chose his way instead of God’s way every day. 

He killed all of his brothers. He killed anyone who might challenge him. He lost control of territories and tribute his ancestors had earned. He chose evil over good.

“He died to no one’s regret.”

No one said, “Sorry to see you go.”

He left everything worse than what he inherited. 

The Bible provides many worthy men and women whose lives and contributions are worth celebrating and emulating. Jehoram shows us what not to do and how not to live. If Jehoram said it or did it, Thou Shalt Not. 

Now and again, someone lives a life that warns others of how destructive it is to rebel against God’s wisdom and grace. Jehoram was one of those. His destruction was ultimately, finally, his own. His pathway to his last day was stained with the blood of those better than him. 

God’s way is always the better way. It is the way of life and light, goodness and mercy, kindness and compassion. It builds up, repairs, restores, and renews. It amplifies all good things. It magnifies beauty. It thrills the soul. It draws men, women, and children together in worshipful adoration. It gives songs in the night. It gives life that is full and meaningful. It blesses everything it touches. 

We gather with brothers and sisters in Christ on Sundays like this one to celebrate God and thank him for all the blessings we receive from his hands. We can thank him for setting the standard for honorable leadership. We can thank him for those leaders from our past who have led with wisdom and integrity. We can ask him for leaders who know his heart and mind and lead with character shaped by his will and ways. 

—

I will follow God’s better way.

—

Our Father, thank you for warning texts like these. Please bless us with leaders of integrity and character. Bless us with leaders who know your heart and mind. Make us the kind of people others appreciate while we’re here and grieve when we’re gone. Make us salt and light. Fill our lives with wonder and joy, meaning and purpose. Amen.