Focus Chapters:
- 2 Kings 11:1-3
- 2 Chronicles 22:10-12
- 2 Kings 11:4-12
- 2 Chronicles 23:1-11
- 2 Kings 11:13-16
- 2 Chronicles 23:12-15
- 2 Kings 11:17-21
- 2 Chronicles 23:16-21
- 2 Kings 12:1-16
- 2 Chronicles 24:1-22
- 2 Kings 10:32-36
Standout Verse(s):
2 Chronicles 24:2, 24:17-18 NLT
Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.
But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice. They decided to abandon the Temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they worshiped Asherah poles and idols instead! Because of this sin, divine anger fell on Judah and Jerusalem.
Observation (s):
- Joash, a young leader, did what was pleasing in God’s sight when he was guided by Jehoiada, the priest and his mentor.
Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.
- When Jehoiada died, Joash new advisers flattered him into trusting them and then led him into sinful acts that went against God’s will and fostered divine wrath.
But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice. They decided to abandon the Temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they worshiped Asherah poles and idols instead! Because of this sin, divine anger fell on Judah and Jerusalem.
Application:
Good sports coaches produce good results; preparing and motivating their teams to give their best. Similarly, you should aim to have good and godly guidance and mentorship. Joash and Israel prospered when Jehoiada, God’s priest and Joash’s mentor stood by Joash’s side. We can only assume that in moments of counsel, Jehoiada sought to serve God’s interest over his own. All we know is that, whatever the counsel, its results pleased God.
This changed when Jehoiada died and Joash received a new set of advisers. These advisers bowed to Joash, perhaps flattering him and serving their own interests. Once he grew to trust them, they gave him bad advice. This advice led to Israel and its king abandoning God and His way and immersing themselves into idolatry. These results did not please God and sparked His wrath.
Assess the persons around you who you seek counsel from. Does the result of their counsel please or anger God? Surround yourself with counsellors and mentors that provide godly advice and guidance.
