Destruction: A Study in 2 KingsSample

What does it say?

Joash followed God’s Law while Jehoiada was alive and instituted a plan to repair the temple. Fearful of attack, he sent sacred temple items to bribe the Syrian king.

What does it mean?

Joash was faithful to God and prospered while influenced and guided by Jehoida, the High Priest. He accomplished the repair of the temple and the restoration of the worship of God. However, after Jehoiada’s death, ungodly leaders induced Joash to abandon God and worship idols (2 Chron. 24). Instead of turning to God for deliverance when threatened by the Syrian king, Joash panicked and sent sacred objects from the temple as a bribe. God’s Word and His purposes for Joash had never become a vital part of the fiber of his life.

How should I respond?

To avoid corrupt influences, God’s Word needs to be deeply rooted in the believer’s heart and life. Like Joash, many young people walk the line set out for them by their parents or godly leaders while they are under their influence. But at some point in life, believers must take ownership of how they’re going to live their lives. How are you taking responsibility for your relationship with Christ? Do you follow God’s Word because your minister or parents say it’s right? Or have you come to the point when you can say with conviction: “I am doing this because God says it is right and good ... His Word is my standard for living.”