Today’s Reading: 2 Chronicles 24, 2 Kings 12, Psalm 26

Jehosheba and Jehoiada had stood in the balance to protect the life of Joash, giving him the opportunity to lead the people of Judah. What would Joash do with the sacrifices these two individuals had made on his behalf and on the behalf of the nation of Judah? He had been given an amazing opportunity to make a difference, but how he chose to use his authority would determine if his influence would draw the nation closer to God or farther away.

JOASH LED THE PEOPLE BACK TO GOD.

Athaliah had made a mess of the Temple during her time of leadership, and Joash desired to get the house of the Lord back to the place it was meant to be. So Joash gathered together the leaders of the church and asked them to begin collecting the annual offerings from the people again so that repairs could be made to the Temple.

So now the king ordered a chest to be made and set outside the gate leading to the Temple of the Lord. Then a proclamation was sent throughout Judah and Jerusalem, telling the people to bring to the Lord the tax that Moses, the servant of God, had required of the Israelites in the wilderness. This pleased all the leaders and the people, and they gladly brought their money and filled the chest with it. – 2 Chronicles 24:8-10

The people were required to give yet they were glad to give. They rejoiced at the prospect of the Temple being restored again, so they willingly brought their portion and placed it in the chest. When no more money could be placed in the chest, the court secretary and an officer of the high priest would empty the chest, bringing it back to the Temple to be filled again by the people. With the money, experts in masonry, carpentry, and metalwork were hired to restore the beauty of the Temple.

The men in charge of the renovation worked hard and made steady progress. They restored the Temple of God according to its original design and strengthened it. When all the repairs were finished, they brought the remaining money to the king and Jehoiada. It was used to make various articles for the Temple of the Lord—articles for worship services and for burnt offerings, including ladles and other articles made of gold and silver. And the burnt offerings were sacrificed continually in the Temple of the Lord during the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest. – 2 Chronicles 24:13-14

Even though Jehoiada was a priest, he was buried among the kings when he died. The impact of his life on the people of Judah was great, and his influence on King Joash kept the young leader spiritually grounded. But without his mentor by his side, Joash wavered from all he had learned and allowed himself to be persuaded by the leaders of Judah to abandon the worship of God.

JOASH LED THE PEOPLE BACK INTO IDOLATRY.

Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!” Then the leaders plotted to kill Zechariah, and King Joash ordered that they stone him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s Temple. That was how King Joash repaid Jehoiada for his loyalty—by killing his son. Zechariah’s last words as he died were, “May the Lord see what they are doing and avenge my death!” – 2 Chronicles 24:20-22

As I was studying this passage, I asked God how this moment in history could be used to draw us closer to Him. I found myself asking what circumstances in my life could draw me away from God. Is there any person that I depend on so much for my spiritual growth that I would walk away from God if they were no longer in my life? Would I allow the absence or failure of another Christian to cause me to doubt my own faith? Are my eyes so focused on people that I have taken my eyes off of God? Do I base my relationship with God on my relationship with the church? Is there anything in my life that’s absence would cause me to abandon my faith and stop trusting God? May this psalm of David be my song:

Declare me innocent, O Lord,
for I have acted with integrity;
I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me.
Test my motives and my heart.
For I am always aware of your unfailing love,
and I have lived according to your truth.
I do not spend time with liars
or go along with hypocrites.
I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
I come to your altar, O Lord,
singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells.
Don’t let me suffer the fate of sinners.
Don’t condemn me along with murderers.
Their hands are dirty with evil schemes,
and they constantly take bribes.
But I am not like that; I live with integrity.
So redeem me and show me mercy.
Now I stand on solid ground,
and I will publicly praise the Lord. – Psalm 26:1-12