II Kings11:3 He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the Lord for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

Do kids still play tag? I remember often playing tag at school and when the game began ‘base’ was established. It was important to remember where base was in case you were close to getting tagged. After tiring of running away from the person who was ‘it’ you made your way to that special place and declared, “I’m on base!” There you were safe.

Athaliah was a queen mother whose son had died. She then wickedly murdered all her family that might have a claim on the throne so that she might rule! But she missed Joash. He was a young boy who was cared for by the priest. He was hidden with his nurse in the temple for six years! It was a great plan. Athaliah was not likely to be in the temple!

We do not have a temple, but we have church. Sometimes church gets a bad name because someone didn’t act in accord with Jesus’ teachings and that’s terrible. But church is still a good thing. It is God’s provision for His people. It’s not a magical place we can run to and say to the enemy, “I’m on base!” But it is a place where God’s people congregate. The church has been with me throughout my life. They taught me and corrected me when I was young. Mentored me when I was a young husband and father. Cared for and loved my children. Rejoiced with me in my successes and cried with me in loss. Most importantly, they showed me Jesus and guided me into relationship with Him.

He is truly where I declare, “I’m on base!” In Him I am safe from any enemy. He is the Good Shepherd. He is my Provider. And He has ordained that I and all His people should be in church. If you haven’t been for awhile, surely you’re tired of running and would like to be ‘on base!’

Blessings,

Pastor Russ