Quiet Time Bible Reference: 2 Chronicles 24
Joash was considered a good king in the eyes of God. He made good decisions and to the best of his ability, did the right thing. He had a right-hand man who was the head of the Levites (the people who took care of the duties of the temple), his name was Jehoiada. One day the king decided to restore the temple of God and Joash and Jehoiada worked on this project together. In a sense, they were business partners (of God).
The king put an order out for the people to pay their taxes which would be used to do the work and the people did so. This was a fully functioning operation–Joash and Jehoiada paid the people that worked on the restoration of the temple and contractors were working diligently. Things were moving along really well with great progress.
Now when you read this chapter, there’s something that you might notice in the very first paragraph that’s a key takeaway from this account. In 2 Chronicles 24:2, it says:
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest.” V. 2
Why was that important? Well if we look at how Jehoiada carried himself, we’ll see that he honored God as a way of life.
“As long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple of the Lord.” v. 14b
So it’s safe to say that Jehoiada was an upright man, if not at least striving to live an upright life for God. Right after this verse, we’re informed that Jehoiada died of old age (130 years old) and after his death, some “important people” came to pay homage to the king.
“After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them.” V. 17
Unfortunately King Joash was influenced by these people. They were not upright men–they worshiped other gods. They swayed Joash from continuing to do the right thing in his leadership position and he found himself doing the complete opposite of what he used to do with his partner Jehoiada. Being led astray can happen without being able to recognize what’s going on. The king (and the company he kept) refused to do the right thing and honor God only. He lost his way.
“They abandoned the temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came on Judah and Jerusalem. Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.” 2 Chronicles 24:18-19
REFLECTION:
Q: Am I keeping company that is influencing me to do things that aren’t aligned with what God wants for me?
Q: Am I a good influence on others myself, helping them stay on the right path of life with God.
Q: Who do I know is striving to live a right life with God that I can take notes from/spend more time with and be positively influenced by?
“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”” 1 Corinthians 15:33
“As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].”
Proverbs 17:17 AMP
Rise & Shine Bright.