Joash: The Fading Glory of Unfaithful Leadership
The story of King Joash is a poignant reminder of the fragility of human faithfulness. His reign, marked by a promising beginning under the guidance of a godly mentor, tragically ended in rebellion against God. Today, we will explore the lessons we can glean from his life.
1. The Miracle of Joash's Preservation (2 Kings 11:2):
"But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and put him and his nurse in the inner chamber; and hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not killed." God’s hand was evident in Joash’s miraculous survival. He was spared from a massacre, a testament to God’s sovereign plans. God has sovereign plans for those He chooses. We should remember that God’s preservation is not accidental.
2. The Coronation of Joash and the Fall of Athaliah (2 Kings 11:12):
"Then they brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, and gave him the Testimony, and made him king. Jehoiada anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, 'Long live the king!'" Joash’s coronation, orchestrated by Jehoiada, signaled the restoration of godly rule and the removal of wicked Athaliah. God raises up leaders to accomplish His purposes and remove the wicked from power. We should be thankful for the leaders God puts in our lives.
3. The Positive Influence of Jehoiada the Priest (2 Kings 12:2):
"And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him." Jehoiada’s influence guided Joash toward righteousness. The influence of a spiritual leader can guide a nation toward faithfulness to God. When we are surrounded by good advisors, our spiritual life is strengthened. We must seek out and cherish godly counsel.
4. The Restoration of the Temple of the Lord (2 Kings 12:4-5):
"Then Joash said to the priests, "All the money from the offerings that is brought into the house of the Lord... take it yourselves and repair the breaches of the house." Joash demonstrated zeal for God’s house by initiating its restoration. We need to care for the Lord’s work and restore what is in ruins. God calls us to be active in His work.
5. The Negligence of the Priests and the Strategy to Repair the Temple (2 Kings 12:6):
"But the priests did not repair the cracks in the house." Even with good intentions, God’s work can be neglected. Firm and committed leadership is needed for God's projects to advance. We must guard against complacency and actively pursue God’s purposes.
6. Joash's Faithfulness in Using the Temple Resources (2 Kings 12:15):
"And there was no counting among the men into whose hands the money was delivered to give to those who did the work, because they dealt faithfully." Joash ensured the temple’s resources were managed with integrity. God calls us to be faithful stewards in the use of what He entrusts to us. We must handle God’s resources with honesty and accountability.
7. The Spiritual Deviation After the Death of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:17):
"But after the death of Jehoiada, the princes of Judah came and bowed down before the king. Then the king listened to them." Without Jehoiada’s influence, Joash strayed into idolatry. Our faith cannot depend solely on spiritual leaders, but must be rooted in God. We must cultivate a personal relationship with God.
8. The Rejection of Correction and the Death of Zechariah (2 Chronicles 24:21):
"But they would not listen; instead, they conspired against him and, by the king's command, stoned him with stones in the courtyard of the house of the Lord." Joash rejected God’s correction and even murdered Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son. Arrogance and refusal to listen to correction can lead to ruin. We must remain humble and receptive to God’s correction.
9. The Tragic End of Joash (2 Chronicles 24:25):
"And when the Syrian army was withdrawn from him, they left him very sick; and his servants conspired against him because of the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and they killed him in his bed." Joash’s departure from God led to a tragic and violent end. Departure from God always brings serious consequences. We must remember that our choices have consequences.
10. The Legacy of a Divided Heart (2 Chronicles 24:25):
"And they buried him in the city of David, but not in the tombs of the kings." Joash began well but ended in disgrace, leaving a legacy of a divided heart. God desires not only a good beginning, but faithfulness to the end. We must strive to finish the race strong.
- Preaching on King Joram – A Divine Name, a Life of Contradiction
- Preaching on King Omri – A Strong Government, but Far from God 1 Kings 16: 16-28
- Preaching on King Zimri: The Emptiness of Ungodly Ambition 1 Kings 16:10-20
Conclusion
Joash’s life is a sobering reminder that a good beginning does not guarantee a good ending. Let us learn from his mistakes and strive to cultivate a steadfast and unwavering devotion to God. May we remain faithful to Him until the very end. Amen
