He remained hidden . . . at the temple of the Lord. (2 Kings 11:3).
Expanded Passage: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 12-21; 12:4-5, 9-12
God offers protection in many ways. In the Old Testament, an innocent person could flee to cities of refuge to avoid a wrongful accuser. In this passage, Joash and his nurse hid in the temple, where God protected the prince and his godly aunt and uncle until the time his glory would outshine the evil perpetrated by a pagan queen.
In the city of Damascus, a believer named Judas gave Saul shelter and protection just after Saul had met Jesus on his way to persecute believers in the Way. Soon after, the Lord sent Ananias to teach Saul all about salvation. Knowing Saul’s past, Ananias initially hesitated, like many who are called to God’s purposes, thinking he couldn’t possibly have understood correctly.
When Moses was called by the Lord, he too hesitated. But, throughout Moses’ life, God was preparing him for his great rescue of the Israelite slaves. In a sense Moses was hidden for eighty years, first in the bulrushes, then in Pharaoh’s palace, and then in the deserts of Midian as God protected him for his work.
In our modern day, a church can be a place of sanctuary from adversaries. A conversation with a minister is considered privileged information, safe and protected. But no matter the place of refuge, we can hold hope in a God who provides protection, as we learn to remain hidden in him.
Remember God’s protection and wonderful purposes are for you.
Melanie Starks Kierstead has previously served as a Light from the Word devotional writer. She is from Wilmore, Kentucky.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
