2 Kings 11:21-12:3 Joash’s Reign
We step back and get an overview of Joash/Jehoash’s reign in Judah. He was the youngest king of them all. He was a godly king for the most part.
First of all I need to say that this day’s entry is out of order. I didn’t realize I skipped these four verses until after I had posted the entry for yesterday. I had to go back and pick them up. It kind of fits better this way because we heard about what Joash did while in office right after looking at his coronation. Tomorrow we will read about his death. This section ties them all together in a loose bundle.
Jehoash/Joash was seven years old when he became king of Judah. He was NOT old enough to rule on his own. He had Jehoiada the priest to instruct him. This is the same Jehoiada who raised him while hidden in the Temple. It is also the same Jehoiada who answered to him regarding the money for repairing the Temple.
Jehoiada was not a co-regent but an advisor for all his life. As long as Joash/Jehoash had the guidance of Jehoiada, he walked in the ways of the Lord. But even the counsel of Jehoiada didn’t extend to tearing down the “high places” where the people of Judah continued to make sacrifices. Why was that? Was it not a vital issue to Jehoiada? Was it something Joash/Jehoash felt was too ‘valued’ by the people to take away from them?
And who were they worshiping on the “high places”? Were they offering praise to God or were they worshiping false gods? Joash had the temple of Baal destroyed when he took the throne. He also had the followers of Athaliah were put to death at the same time too. But could it be that some of the roots of Baal had not been completely wiped out.
Regardless of who they were worshiping on the “high places” God told them not to set these up. He called for specific worship of Him in a structured place and pattern. This kept things uniform for all people. It kept the people together and unified. Kept them a family. And it kept the way open for Jesus.
Joash was not a perfect king. He left some things undone. And when Jehoiada died Joash began to fall away from the Lord. We will learn more about this later on. He had a spot where sin had a foothold in his kingdom.
What foothold does sin have in your life? How about mine? We each need to ask this question and address it. I don’t want to fall prey to it again when my guard is down or my positive influencer is absent. Even being raised in the House of the Lord didn’t guarantee Joash a perfect relationship with God. Guard you heart!
Father God, help me to strengthen the guard on my heart. Help me search out ALL the hidden roots of sin hiding within me. Open my eyes to Your truth. Don’t let Satan blind me to his schemes. And help me firmly establish positive influences in my life.
Sometimes I feel like I am on an island because of being isolated from people. Help me reach out to others and bring in those who would reach in to me too. More than anything though I know that I am NEVER truly alone. You are with me ALWAYS!
I am also bound with love to my family even when I don’t get to see them all the time. Thank You for allowing us to develop technology that links us together too. We no longer are required to meet in one place or according to one plan. So long as we meet under the blood of One Savior, Jesus Christ, we are bound together as family. Thank You for my physical family and my spiritual one. I am NOT an island, no matter how hard Satan tries to make me think I am!
