It was interesting, and sad, to note that King Joash's faith was based more on the advice given him by Jehoiada the priest, than on God. As long as the priest was alive, Joash listened to and heeded the priest's advice, but after Jehoiada's death, not only did he listen to poor cousel and prove his faith less than genuine, he murdered the son of the very faithful priest who had guided him so wisely for all those years!
It is important for us to surround ourselves with wise and godly people, as they will influence us. And it is wise to heed their advice. But we must also think for ourselves, and make our faith our own, or it will fail as soon as that person is no longer around to help us. Our faith should never be in another man or woman, but should only be in Jesus Christ.
It was also interesting to note how the priests, though not deceitful, were somewhat derelict in their duties in regards to the repair of the temple, but that the construction supervisors were so known for their honesty and integrity, that they didn't need to be held accountable to anyone.
Do we live with such honesty and integrity that people will trust us unhesitatingly? Do we have a reputation for hard work and loyalty? Are we trustworthy and dependable?
And, perhaps most importantly, do we try to attain those things through our own strength, or by relying on God?
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 12:17-21, 2 Chronicles 24:23-27, 2 Kings 13:14-14:14, 2 Chronicles 25:1-24, 2 Kings 13:12-13, 2 Kings 14:15-16, 2 Kings 14:23-27, 2 Kings 14:17-22, 2 Chronicles 25:25-28
1 comment:
I too was disappointed in how King Joash's testimony was changed for the worse once Jahoiada had died. Makes me wonder if the King actually lived for the Lord or just did what he could while Jahoiada was alive to keep getting blessings from God? I would have thought a lifetime of sound teaching from Jahoiada would have resulted in a better ending for King Joash. A lesson for us all, to make our personal relationship with God real because we want to and not to please others, we need to want it ourselves and not because others are doing it.
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