Jonathan Moore
2 Chronicles 23:1-3
In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada the priest decided to act. He summoned his courage and made a pact with five army commanders: Azariah son of Jeroham, Ishmael son of Jehohanan, Azariah son of Obed, Maaseiah son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat son of Zicri. These men traveled secretly throughout Judah and summoned the Levites and clan leaders in all the towns to come to Jerusalem. They all gathered at the Temple of God, where they made a solemn pact with Joash, the young king. Jehoiada said to them, “Here is the king’s son! The time has come for him to reign! The Lord has promised that a descendant of David will be our king.
Courage is not a simple switch we turn on and off at will. Sometimes it comes suddenly as part of a 'fight or flight' response. Other times, as in Jehoiada's case after a period of a seven year evil reign, (but long enough for an infant prince to become a boy-king). Courage allows the priest, Jehoiada, to exercise an adminstrative strategy to wrestle power out of tyrannical hands back into of the godly. Some of the greatest political shifts in history have come about through the courage of the church intersecting with the political arena; Luther, Wesley, Whitfield, Wilberforce, Finney, Dr. King....
Prayer from First Presbyterian Church Grenada Heavenly Father, we know that wind, water, rain , sleet and snow àre yours. This Sabbath we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your protection and grace.
We pray you will place Your mighty hand over this storm and calm its force. Shield us from the fury of the wind, rain, snow and ice. Care for those in the grip of the storm and keep them from harm. We pray for the safety of every person, home, and community at risk. We lift up all rescue workers, police, firefighters, and utility crews, asking for clear minds, steady hands, and safe passage as they heroically assist others in dangerous situations. Calm the anxious thoughts and steady the restless hearts of those filled with fear. Remind them of Your constant presence, that even when life seems dark and stormy, You are with us, guiding us to safety. In the wake of the storm, we pray for swift recovery and restoration. Provide essentials like water, food, and adequate shelter, and inspire communities to come together in support and care for one another.
We trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, knowing You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We pray in Jesus Name. Amen
🌾 Modern Parable – The Weathered Bench
There was an old wooden bench that sat beneath a large oak tree in town. Over the years, storms had blown through, summers had scorched the air, and winters had frozen the ground. The bench had faded, cracked, and weathered — but it never moved. It stayed right where it was, offering rest to anyone who needed it.
One day, a man sat down after a long, stressful week. He looked at the bench and thought, “How has this thing survived all these storms?”
An older gentleman walking by smiled and said, “It survives because it’s anchored to something stronger than the weather.”
The man realized something deeper: Life brings storms, heat, pressure, and uncertainty — but what we’re anchored to determines whether we endure.
The bench wasn’t strong because it avoided storms. It was strong because it stayed rooted.
And so it is with us. When we anchor ourselves in God, the storms may weather us — but they cannot move us.
How this ties your message together
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The Reflection speaks to the heaviness and uncertainty people feel right now.
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The Psalm calls us to stillness and trust in God’s sovereignty.
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The Prayer asks for calm, protection, and guidance in a restless world.
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The Parable shows that being anchored in God is what keeps us steady through every season