February 23: 2 Chronicles 24:17-27

Tragic End to a Godly Beginning

Life is not static. People change. Those who were once in the depths of depravity come to the light and are changed into godly men and women. And sadly, those who were once walking in the path of light, goodness, and truth turn away from that path and walk into darkness. We cannot assume that who a person is today will be true years into the future. Death and taxes may be certain, but a person’s character is not fixed. This is illustrated in the life of Joash.

The godly leadership and influence of Jehoiada the priest did not last. After his death, officials from Judah came and gave advice to Joash that led them to abandon the house of the LORD and return to idolatry. That advice is not given to us, so we can only speculate. The cost of this Temple maintenance project is too expensive. People are so focused on this spiritual project that the service to the nation is neglected. How is this benefitting us? It’s just a sink hole for finances we could use elsewhere. Who knows what they said? We do know, however, that Joash listened to them. At one time, Jehoiada had his ear, but now he gives ear to godless counsel and counselors.

God was not willing to ignore their sin. His anger rose up against their sin and guilt. In His mercy and grace, He sent prophets to warn the people and call them to repentance. The people refused to listen. So, the Spirit of God energized Zechariah the son of Jehoiada (or more likely, his grandson—see Matthew 23:25) to present a powerful call to repentance (verse 20). A conspiracy against Zechariah ended in his death by stoning in the court of the Temple. What a contrast to the former days when Joash and the people enthusiastically sought to restore the Temple under Jehoiada’s leadership. Now, they kill his son (grandson) at the very place where Jehoiada conducted his faithful ministry.

“Thus Joash the king didn’t remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. When he died, he said, “May Yahweh look at it, and repay it.”” (2 Chronicles 24:22, WEB)

How tragic that Joash forsook the godly path he had walked with Jehoiada. How sad that he forgot all that Jehoiada had taught him and all that he had been blessed to experience under the leadership of Jehoiada. How unbelievable that he could turn on Jehoiada’s own son and murder him in the Temple court.

Finally, how tragic was the end of Joash’s life. A small number of Arameans defeated his large army, because they had forsaken the LORD (verse 24). Joash was left wounded and very ill, and rather than taking care of him, his own servants murdered him while he lay in bed. He was not given the honor of being buried in the tombs of the kings (verse 25).

Application

All the input and influence of a godly mentor can be forgotten. All the good done in one’s life can be undone. The LORD who was once sought earnestly and faithfully may later be forsaken. The danger of forsaking the LORD is real. We must focus on finishing our live well.

“But the righteous will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”” (Hebrews 10:38, WEB)

“let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, WEB)

“But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”” (Luke 9:62, WEB)