And the City Was Quiet After They Had
The sermon emphasizes the need for strong action against evil and sin, and the responsibility of Christians to engage with public issues.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of decisive action against evil, using the example of Jehoiada's boldness in overthrowing Athaliah to restore righteousness in the nation. He argues that tolerating evil is not an option for believers, who are called to confront and eradicate sin in their lives and communities. Meyer encourages Christians to step out of their comfort zones and engage in the fight against societal issues like impurity and extravagance, reminding them that they are citizens of both the New Jerusalem and their earthly communities. The sermon calls for a collective response to the moral decay around them, urging believers to take a stand for God's cause.
Text
And the city was quiet after they had
slain Athaliah with the sword. 2 Chron. xxiii. 21.
THIS was a great revolution, admirably planned and carried into effect. It was intolerable that such a woman as Athaliah should desecrate the throne and temple. Jehoiada, by his prudence and courage, deserved well of the entire nation in ridding the world of her presence. No half measures would have availed to meet the case.
There are times in every life when strong and strenuous action is inevitable if the cause of God is to be promoted and saved. In many of us there is a willingness to tolerate evil, rather than arouse ourselves to grasp it with a firm hand, and, if needs be, drag it up by its roots. Be strong, yea, be strong, is an injunction that has to be emphasized even to men who are greatly beloved. The easiest thing for Jehoiada would have been to shut himself up in the temple, and leave things to take their course. The noblest thing was to come forth, and boldly confront the rampant evil of his time. So God's call rings out for helpers in the great fight against sin. Its notes penetrate into the retirement of Christian homes, to noble women and devoted men, demanding that they should come forth to resist impurity, the love of strong drink, the strong tendency towards extravagance, luxury, and waste. The world is full of Athaliahs, and it is not befitting that the Jehoiadas should remain at their holy rites and services if there is a paramount need for action in the world's battlefield, in the strife against wrong.
The children of God are citizens of the New Jerusalem, but they are also certainly citizens here; and they must not stand aside from great public issues, allowing them to be decided by ungodly and wicked men.
Sermon Outline
- The Need for Strong Action
- The Call to Action
- The Responsibility of God's Citizens
- Citizens of the New Jerusalem
- Citizens of the World
Key Quotes
“There are times in every life when strong and strenuous action is inevitable if the cause of God is to be promoted and saved.” — F.B. Meyer
“The world is full of Athaliahs, and it is not befitting that the Jehoiadas should remain at their holy rites and services if there is a paramount need for action in the world's battlefield, in the strife against wrong.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Christians should be willing to take strong action against evil and sin.
- Christians have a responsibility to engage with public issues and promote God's cause.
- Courage and prudence are essential qualities for leaders who seek to promote God's cause.