Read 2 Chronicles 24:17-27
Again, we see how a good king can very quickly become disillusioned and turn evil. There are some shocking twists in this passage. The Chronicler’s history differs from the parallel texts in 2 Kings, so it’s helpful to remember his focus is usually on the priests.
Without Jehoiada the priest to keep King Joash’s focus holy, other leaders swoop in and the kingdom crumbles. We’ve seen before what happens when leaders turn away from God. The warning from Jehoiada’s son could not have been clearer. Zechariah 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!”
What a great question! Why did the people abandon the LORD? Had King Joash forgotten everything Jehoiada had taught him about God and how important it was to stay faithful? History would repeat itself, and another evil king would find his demise. There would be no glorious victory for Joash.
God loves to reward his people with success for their faithfulness. We see that pattern in the Bible as well as played out in our lives. Each time we witness answered prayer or receive exactly what we need when we need it, we can give God the credit. Many times the blessings we receive go unnoticed. That’s why we always have praise on our lips!
When people aren’t following God, their actions will not make sense. The example of King Joash in this reading is a prime example. What would possess Joash to have his mentor’s son killed? I suppose the message Zechariah gave did not fit the king’s agenda. We see in our own day how people who don’t follow the rhetoric of unholy leadership can often be ridiculed and even imprisoned.
I’m appalled that Joash showed no respect for the man who had literally saved his life as an infant and ordered the priest’s death in a way that would defile the LORD’s temple. In those days, a death by stoning was usually done for sins against God like blasphemy or idolatry. Death, in general, in that culture was a major source of uncleanness. Such a death sentence would normally have taken place outside the city walls. To have done such a hideous thing within the LORD’s temple was scandalous.
Someone in their right mind would never have done such a thing. Clearly, Joash had been corrupted beyond recognition. That’s what can happen when we stop trusting in God and his leadership for our lives. Once the evil one grabs a foothold on our minds or our hearts, it becomes harder and harder to break free. Our bondage to sin is real.
If only Joash had stayed true, this story would have played out entirely differently. God wants the best for all his children. When we turn from God, we open ourselves up to significantly less than what God intends for us.
Let’s pray. LORD, I need your strength each day to fight off the distractions and temptations of this world. My sinful self feels weak, yet I know that you have overcome the world. I know that my safety and salvation rests in your hands. I never want to succumb to the evil one’s schemes. Help me stand strong. You are the ruler of all things, and I want you to reign in my heart always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
