Read 2 Chronicles 23:12-21
With all the rejoicing underway, the evil queen was bound to realize some momentous occasion was happening in the temple. Before she could plot any sort of revenge, the priest, Jehoiada, had the queen removed from the festivities. Queen Athaliah met her demise that day, some distance away from the Temple.
How do you think the young king felt when he received so much attention? The Chronicler does a good job of describing the scene. It sounds like the people were fed up with the evil queen’s leadership. God had prepared their hearts to be ready for Jehoiada’s plan to play out. “Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.” Note how the priest inserts himself into this covenant, it wasn’t just between the king and God. Jehoiada’s desire is clear. He wants to reinstate the godly kingship of David.
Without the queen’s distraction, it would be a lot easier for the people to stay focused on God. We can understand that in our own lives. We may find ourselves with crowded heads, trying to get a long list of tasks accomplished each day. Where does building a relationship with God fit in?
It didn’t take the people long to rally around the new king and Jehoiada’s promise to God. How refreshing it was to see the people pleasing God by tearing down all the evil distractions. It can be like that for us, too. There is nothing more powerful and cleansing than spending time in the LORD’s presence.
False gods will never deliver anything. Yet the LORD’s provisions always satisfy. Our joy in the LORD keeps us going. The apostle Paul teaches the Ephesians about the armor of God, a provision we can use every day. In Ephesians 6:10 sums it up nicely. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Jehoiada was setting up Joash’s kingdom for success by trusting the LORD.
Is there something lurking in your life that you need to get rid of? Perhaps something is feeding into your curiosity, but it isn’t pointing your toward God. In fact, it’s keeping you too busy to spend time in God’s word and listening for his direction. God’s plans for us are so much better than we could imagine. Why do we question him?
Let go of what is holding you back. Ask for help; God’s power is available.
Let’s pray. LORD, forgive me for ignoring the stumbling blocks that keep me from running toward you. Cleanse my head of all the distractions. I want to honor you as Creator King of the universe. I want to lift your name on high. May more and more people of the world turn to trust and follow Jesus. Use me and show me the way. Light my path with understanding of your word and your ways. May I be more like you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
