2 Chronicles 24
RECEIVING HONOUR

There is a stark contrast in the life of Joash between the time early in his life when Jehoiada was around to guide him, and the later times after Jehoiada had died. While Jehoiada was around, Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. If we were looking for a good king, Joash would certainly get our attention.

But without the guidance of Jehoiada, things changed. The turning point is mentioned very subtly in God’s word. It says this: “After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them.” (2 Chronicles 34 v 17).

As they lavished their respect and honour on the king, complimented him on his achievements, strength and good looks, Joash couldn’t help being drawn to these men. His pride made him think that these men were good men with good things to say. They made him feel good so he listened to them.

It is easy for us to respond the same way. When we are complimented, lifted up or praised, we can tend to think more of those people and their advice than we should. But now that we have seen the dangers, let’s watch for them and make sure we keep a steady head even in the face of praise. Let’s never swerve from the path God has put us on.

May we never be swerved from our dedication to God.

With love in our Lord,
Robert