By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
2 Chronicles 21:19-20 "In the course of time, at the end of the second year, his bowels came out because of the disease, and he died in great pain. His people made no funeral fire in his honor, as they had for his predecessors… He passed away, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings." - NIV
Johoram succeeded his father, Jehoshaphat, as king. He was described as doing evil in the eyes of God, going in the footsteps of Ahab king of Israel. He killed all his own brothers and other officials. God was not happy. He sent Elijah who wrote a letter (probably it wasnt safe to physically meet him) condemning his evil activities and ensuing punishment. He suffered a long painful illness and died.
No honour was given to him in death. No one felt pity nor missed him. While some people, for the positive impact they make in other people’s lives, are greatly mourned and honoured in death, some pass on to no regret as good riddance. This was the case with Jehoram. He had been a disaster and his death brought joy and peace.
In the journey of life, we all leave foot marks behind that inspire or make others regret our existence. This is brought about by what we do to others, and how we treat them. Jesus said, do to others what you want them do to you. If everyone lived with this consciousness and committed to loving others, life would be praceful and joyous. That’s God’s will. Such is a life that lives on in people’s hearts long after you are gone.
One day we shall be out of the scene. Will others miss you or it will be good riddance? How will your script be read?
Shalom children of God.