Aug. 15 Devotion: Be a Jehoiada

Be a Jehoiada

2 Chronicles 24:2,15-17

And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. [15] But Jehoiada waxed old, and was full of days when he died; an hundred and thirty years old was he when he died. [16] And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he had done good in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house. [17] Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them.

In our text, we see a pivotal moment in the reign of King Joash. We see his reign highlight the influence of godly mentorship and the dangers of succumbing to poor counsel.  We find in verse two that Joash’s righteousness was closely tied to the guidance of Jehoiada, the high priest. As long as Jehoiada lived, Joash faithfully followed God’s ways. This underscores the importance of wise, godly advisors in maintaining spiritual integrity.

Jehoiada’s death at 130 years old, as noted in verse fifteen, marks a turning point. His burial among the kings in the city of David in verse sixteen reflects his significant contributions to Israel’s spiritual and national life. His legacy was one of devotion to God and service to the kingdom, earning him a rare honor for a non-royal figure. However, verse seventeen reveals the change in King Joash. After Jehoiada’s death, the princes of Judah gained influence over Joash. His decision to heed their counsel led to a swift departure from righteousness, setting the stage for Judah’s spiritual decline.

This passage illustrates the critical role of steadfast godly leadership and the downfalls of abandoning godly principles for human flattery or convenience.

Before I get into a couple of challenges, let me first say we should never be serving the Lord in order to impress someone else or serve Him just because someone else wants us to, so to speak. The only way to truly walk with the Lord is to do so with our whole heart and based on our own desires.

With that said, I would like to issue you some challenges today.

First, do you have that person that you look to for spiritual leadership? That person you can count on to give you sound, spiritually led advice? When was the last time you thanked them for the role they have in your life?

Second, have you put yourself in the position to be that person for someone else? Whether we know it or not, there are people around us that will look at us and watch how we live our lives. What direction are we leading them? Are we showing them a walk with the Lord that when they are struggling in their own walk, they can come to us for sound spiritual advice?

God bless,

Bro. Josh Richardson