PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 2 Chronicles 23-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came to the king, and he listened to them.” (2 Chronicles 24:17)
King Joash is influenced by his close relationship with the priest Jehoida.
But after Jehoida dies, Joash listens to the wrong voices.
For all the good he did, in the end he is remembered as a bad king.
How can a good leader be led astray by deceptive voices, and end in failure?
I am sure these officials of Judah sounded convincing and wise.
Who are the voices that influence me, and are they worth listening to?
Who do I often turn to for advice or look to for advice?
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
I have to remember that there is a Liar out there that wants to trick and ruin me too.
It is critical for all of us that we set up protective measures to guard our hearts and minds.
The Liar slips in with subtle thoughts and negative feelings, looking to get us off track.
The Lord is calling me to keep company with him, to test the voices speaking to me with him.
To spend time with him in prayer and bible reading, and time with other Jesus followers.
Because even really good kings can be misled, and lose their place among the kings (24:25).
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to get distracted and deceived by bad company by making sure that I am spending enough time in your good company.
Joash started out good as long as Jehoiada the high priest was alive – but after he died Joash changed, or his true colours came out – he listened to others. Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, saw what was happening and prophesied : “Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.” Joash didn’t like what he said and had Zechariah killed. Really though, what can we expect when we forsake the Lord – we see it today! What can we expect? Yet God is faithful, He still sends rain on both the good and the evil – He saves a remnant. Help me to be faithful – a follower of Jesus – my Lord. Jesus is my high priest. Let me listen to him – he never dies – he’s given me a gift of the HS – to be my companion!
When the leader of the people served the Lord there was prosperity in the land. I am reminded of Samuel who said, Speak Lord for Your servant is listening. To listen is to do. Listen to the Voice which says, This is the Way. Walk in it. And today I need to listen to that Voice and not of the leaders of the land who are beating their own drum. As in all things and in all days, Today God Is First and in that power I go forward.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.