Then after all this, the LORD brought on the king a painful disease of the intestines. For almost two years it grew steadily worse until finally the king died in agony. His subjects did not light a bonfire in mourning for him as had been done for his ancestors.

Jehoram had become king at the age of thirty-two and had ruled in Jerusalem for eight years. Nobody was sorry when he died. They buried him in David’s City, but not in the royal tombs.

2 Chronicles 21:18-20

How would you like to be the man nobody missed? Jehoram killed all his brothers and other potential rivals. He led the nation in worship of false gods, had a troubled reign, and died from a terrible and painful intestinal disease. And when he died, no one cared.

Remember that the extent to which we care about our relationships – both with God and the people He has put in our lives – will determine how much we will be missed when we die. If we keep this in mind and live to please God and show love to others, we will be missed when we leave this earthly domain.

Make others happy wherever you go, not whenever you go.

Our Daily Bread – May 7, 2003