June 24th, 25: Hope in the Shadows: Joash, Hidden Kings, and the Unseen Work of God (Daily Bible Reading)

Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where together we journey through the pages of Scripture and warm our hearts by the fires of God’s love. In today’s episode, Host Hunter guides us through powerful stories from 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and 1 Timothy. We witness the dramatic rise of young King Joash, hidden away during a time of evil, and learn how God is always working behind the scenes—even when darkness seems to rule. As we explore the restoration of the temple and the steadfast hope of God’s advancing kingdom, Hunter reminds us that grace is never transactional; it is given freely, before we’ve done a thing. Settle in as we seek encouragement, realign our hearts with God’s truth, and remember together: you are deeply loved—no strings attached.

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

Seven years is a long time. That’s how long Athaliah, the evil queen, ruled over the land and the people of God. Seven years had gone by since she committed unspeakable evil, murdering her own grandchildren. She wore the crown, her power seemed unshakable. She was the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, and the darkness of her reign must have felt never-ending for God’s people.

It can often feel, in our own lives, that evil is entrenched—that things will always remain as they are, with pain, injustice, or sorrow wearing the crown. But the story of Joash shows us something different: things are not always as they seem, and they will not always be as they are. Even when it looks as though evil is sitting on the throne, God is quietly at work, hidden away, preparing something new, something hopeful.

Inside the temple, out of sight, there is a boy—a son. And at just the right moment, when all hope might seem lost, he is revealed. Joash’s crowning is a signal: God’s kingdom is advancing, even when we cannot see it, even when evil appears enthroned. The crown is placed on Joash’s head, the true king is revealed, and the evil reign comes to an end.

But Joash, as faithful as he may have been, is not the perfect king we ultimately need. His story, though hopeful, is unfinished and flawed. Our true King is Jesus, God’s own Son, who does not falter or fail as Joash did. Jesus is the hidden King, waiting for the right time to be revealed in glory. He is at work—accomplishing all the Father asks, reigning forever. The evil that seems so strong will not last. The kingdom of God will be seen by all.

The pages of Scripture remind us that God is always at work behind the scenes. His real King is alive and coming. In times when darkness lingers, when evil seems to rule, do not despair. Hold fast, by the Spirit’s power, to the hope of His coming. See and hear this truth—your King is coming.

That is my prayer for myself, my family, and for you, dear listener. May we hold on to the hope of Christ’s reign, and may we remember: God is at work, even now, in ways we cannot see. Let this hope strengthen us and fill us with courage, as we wait for our King.

May it be so.