Our series this month is entitled ENCOUNTERS which is defined as "an unexpected or casual meeting with someone or something."
The word Encounters can be thought of in a weird way such as movies that have to do with UFO's and the paranormal. In our series this month, we'll be using the normal definition of Encounters which is basically just people meeting people.
Think of Jesus and the Woman at the Well. It was way more than a casual meeting but one that changed the direction of someone's life in a meaningful and significant way.

The pages of history records many names of people who've made a significant impact in the lives of others because they chose to get involved.
Movie: The Zookeepers Wife
A simple encounter can have a dramatic effect much like a stone thrown into a body of water produces ripples that stretch far away from the initial action.

In our series this month, we're looking at 4 people who impacted the lives of others. From these stories we can learn some valuable lessons that can be applied to our lives today.
Today we're looking at the life of Jehosheba. A woman who saved the lineage of the Messiah. Her story is found in the book of 2 Kings 11 and 2 Chronicles 22. Her encounter was with a child, his name is Joash, the future king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Without Jehosheba, the family line of David would have come to an end, including the line of ancestors leading up to the birth of Jesus.

Background:
- The 12 Tribe Kingdom of David and his son Solomon had come to an end, splitting into the Northern Kingdom of Israel (10 tribes) and the Southern Kingdom of Judah (2 tribes).
- The Northern Kingdom was continually led by evil rulers while the Southern Kingdom was about 1/2 godly and 1/2 bad leaders. It seemed that the Lord's prophecy that the Messiah would come from the family of David was in deep trouble!
- At this time, both kingdoms found themselves in a relatively quiet time, with each other, and with the surrounding nations. So a truce was made in that a marriage would take place. Athaliah (daughter of the wicked Ahab of the North) was given in marriage to Jehoram (son of the good king Jehoshaphat of the South).
- Some lessons we can see in this marriage:
1) Be careful of your moments of compromise and alliances in the name of peace.
2) The goodness of a parent doesn't guarantee the goodness of a child.
- Jehoram took the throne at the age of 32 and reigned for 8 years. To secure his position, he killed all 6 of his brothers. His wife was even worse. Together they had a son by the name of Ahaziah, who succeeded his father, but ruled only 1 year before he died.

2 Chronicles 22:1-3 [NLT]

At this point, Athaliah takes center stage. Her husband Jehoram, the king, is dead. Her son Ahaziah, the new king, is also dead. Athaliah seizes the opportunity and takes control of the throne of Judah.
We see in the next passages that Athaliah's lust for power was so great that she had her own grandchildren slaughtered. Anyone who had a royal claim to the throne was to die which would wipe out the line of David.

Enter Jehosheba. She was a princess, a daughter of the deceased king Jehoram, sister to the deceased king Ahaziah.
2 Kings 11:1-3 [NLT]

As we read the ending of 2 Kings 11 we see that the boy, Joash, was made king and the wicked Athaliah was put to death.
When we think of Jehosheba there are lessons from her encounter with Joash that can be applied to our lives.

1. Heroic action requires someone to stand up and do the right thing.

Jehosheba was motivated by seeing an innocent life in danger, understanding the evil intent of others, and knowing the line of David and the Messiah were at stake.
Her intention was not to be a hero, but she would have known what was at risk. There is always a cost when we decide to do the right thing.

Question: Where do you need to stand up for what is right? The arena of politics, moral issues like abortion, child slavery, gender transition; some social issue?

2. Commitment is an important part of influencing others.

For 6 years, Joash was hidden from the queen. During this time he was trained and nurtured in the ways of the temple. Jehosheba not only had the courage to save him but also the concern to stand by the rightful heir.

Question: What are you really committed to do for the spiritual sake of others?

3. God keeps His promises and protects those who He intends to use.

In 2 Samuel God promised David that his kingdom and throne would be forever, and that the Messiah would come through his family lineage. So it's no wonder that Satan attacked and attempted to destroy his family. One of the devil's consistent strategies is to go after the families of those who are seeking to live for God.
God is aware of our lives. He is able to guide our lives to honor Him.

Question: What are some of the difficult and dark times you and your family are facing as you attempt to live for God?

History remembers Jehosheba, a woman who had the knowledge and courage to do what was right and was used by God!