2 Chronicles 23:1-11
In the centre of the moral darkness which reigns in Judah, it is as if a lighthouse now focuses its beam on Joash, the precious, small prince. All of God’s counsels rest henceforth on this feeble child, the last "son of David".
This has so many similarities with another even darker time, when Herod unjustly occupies the throne of Jerusalem! The true king of the Jews born in Bethlehem was saved, like Joash here, from the massacre ordered by the usurper. Throughout His life Jesus remained hidden, first in Nazareth, then under the humble "form of a servant" which He chose to assume. And, even now, He is hidden from the eyes of the world, in Heaven, where only faith can see and know Him. In this chapter we have an example of the day of His glorious appearing. Like these Levites and heads of the people, those who serve Him and wait for Him today will be with Him in that day. They will appear with Him in glory (see Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 3:13). What a privilege! To be part of that blessed company! To be "with the king when he cometh in, and when he goeth out" (v. 7)! As that is to be our portion, Christians, let us keep ourselves close to Him even now by faith, while He is still, for a short time, out of sight in Heaven.