In Second Chronicles 22:10-12 we find the account of Jehosheba hiding her nephew, Prince Joash, when he was one year old so he is not murdered by his wicked grandmother after his father dies. Joash is hidden until he is seven years old when he becomes king.. This is the kind of storyline we would typically find in fictional writings or movies.

Jehosheba is a hero of the Bible who saves a toddler from the evil schemes of a power-hungry authority. Consider how Moses was saved under Pharaoh’s reign, or Jesus during the time of King Herod. Even with this heroic act, we know little about Jehosheba. She was the daughter of King Jehoram and married the priest Jehoiada. These are two historical figures most people know little about. Her husband led a rebellion to instill the rightful heir of David to the throne in Jerusalem. Her father was so evil the Bible says that when he died it was to no one’s regret (2 Chron. 21:20).

I want us to consider this last fact, the daughter of a wicked king performed a righteous act that preserved the line of David. We all come from somewhere. I know some whose parents, although not perfect, may be considered by the Bible as ‘wise’ or ‘righteous’. They follow(ed) the ways of God and set a great example for their children. I am thankful that this is the experience I have. However, I also know some whose parents may be considered by the Bible as ‘foolish’ or ‘unrighteous’. They follow(ed) their own ways or the ways of the world, giving no regard to God, and setting a poor example for their children. This would have been the experience of Jehosheba. As she grew up she would have witnessed terrible things. It is very easy to follow the lead set for us by our parents.

As an adult, Jehosheba chose to do the right thing no matter the influence of others in her past. She made a choice to help rather than harm. She chose righteousness, not evil. It may be a challenge for us to move beyond the example set for us by others, even our parents, if that example was negative. However, we can see from the example of Jehosheba that we can do it. We can choose to help rather than harm. We can choose righteousness, not evil. Our past does not have to dictate how we choose to live today.

When we choose to do the right thing, it will often not look like saving a toddler from an evil Queen. This was Jehosheba’s heroic act, not ours. Sometimes our right action might be showing kindness to someone who hurts us. If our example in life has been returning an insult for an insult, then responding to an insult with kindness will be a great action! Sometimes our right action might be obeying the law, when others insist we break it. If our example in life has been disregard for authority and giving in to the pressures of bad influences, then responding with abiding the law and saying no to temptation will be a great action!

No matter our past, let’s look to Jehosheba as our heroic example!