Unlike Dolphy

2 Chronicles 21:20

Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He passed away, to no one's regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings.

Acute tonsillopharyngitis.  That’s the bacteria that tied me to bed almost all week. It horribly overwhelmed my system and overruled my schedules. On day two, seeing my kids freely messing the house, I took the TV remote for a breath of sanity. What first popped up was the news of the death of the country’s comedy king, Dolphy.  Grief was not the ideal company for my sickness, but I tuned in - - ‘til his burial. Actually, there’s not much of a choice because all the local channels featured him. He was loved by many, proven by the heartfelt eulogies and the long line of fans wanting to pay him last respects. He may be gone but he will always be remembered as the man who gave us good laughs and made us appreciate the good life.

Now, let’s compare that to the man, King Jehoram. He died half the age of Dolphy, but he passed away ‘to no one’s regret’. Although true heir of Jehoshaphat and Asa, he was denied the honor to be in the tomb of kings. There was no official funeral for him.  No one came to visit him at his deathbed and not even a single camera to feature his incurable, intestinal disease. Because who would? He had no brothers left for he put them all to death on his first year.  His wives and children? They were carried off by the invading Philistines and Arabs. And his people? Would they pay respect to a man who caused everyone to prostitute themselves then left them all in poverty line? Surely his death was wished. His greed for power became Judah’s downfall  and his sin ruling it all.

Actually not all. His sins may be top of the ranks and its effect far out and wide, but it couldn’t touch the sovereignty of God. It did unleash His wrath, but His grace abounded all the more. Amidst the invasion account, verse 17 noted that ‘not a son was left to him except Ahaziah, the youngest’. Any father would grab that cue and be grateful somehow. God knew Jehoram wouldn’t, but He still saved that son. All in light of His love and covenant to the house of David.  Jehoram may have dishonored God. His people may have discredited him. But God still allowed his name mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus. We may not heartily mention his name to our kids, as we do with Abraham, Moses, David, or Dolphy, but may we remember the good God who gave him life, and so much grace ‘til his death.