Jehoram and Accent

Jehoram was thirty and two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab: for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife: and he wrought that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD.

      2 Chroncles 21:5-6

      Regional accents are quite interesting when you consider all their quirks and differences from each other. However, as one who has lived in varying locations and cultures in the United States, my accent is sort of all over the place. When I was visiting some family in Eastern Arkansas, my cousin correctly introduced me as my cousin Ryan from Texas. However, the young lady to whom he introduced me said, "You're from Texas?" I affirmed yes. To which she replied, “You don't sound like you're from Texas.” Maybe it was the fact that I grew up right on the Rio Grande or maybe this girl just expected me to sound like George Strait. Nevertheless, I guess I did not represent what Texas was supposed to sound like.

      King Jehoram probably sounded like His father Jehosophat, but his actions were nothing like his father Jehosophat aside from the friendly relations with Israel. Jehoram looked less like his father and more like his father-in-law, the wicked Ahab. Jehoram was so much like him he acted like many of the northern kings. First, he committed bloodshed to cement his power (cf. 2 Chron 21:4). He walked in all the ways of the kings of Israel. (cf. 2 Chron 21:5). He restored the high places in the mountains of Judah promoting idolatry and fornication. (cf. 2 Chron 21:11). Jehoram became like a plague to the people of Judah. A plague that made them like the inhabitants of the north (cf. 2 Chron 21:13).

      In response to the plague of Jehoram, the Lord sent a plague on his household ( 2 Chron 21:14). There was great sickness and even the enemy nations were stirred up to loot his palace and take his family captive ( cf.2 Chron 21:15-16). Lastly, Jehoram suffered from horrible sickness and died a dishonorable death (cf.2 Chron 21:18-19).

      King Jehoram’s eight-year reign was a black eye on Judah. He had every opportunity to do right and live like Jehosophat or even David his ancestor yet he did not. Our accent is often a tell of from where we come, but our actions are a sure tell of from whom. May we ever live so that our actions are fully representative of who we are in Christ. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Gal 2:20

      Grace and Peace,

      Ryan