Today I read 2 Chronicles 24, in which Joash restores the temple but was later defeated and died because he turned from God. Today I considered that some leaders are only as good as their counselors or advisors if their hearts are not with God.
Child King Repairs the Temple
The king was an advocate for God as long as he was guided by God’s servant (2 Chronicles 24:1-16). Joash became king at seven years old and reigned forty years. Joash persisted in asking for money for the temple until they gathered money to repair the house of the Lord. Joash and Jehoiada used the money to fix the temple and pay the workers. What was left over was used by Joash and Jehoiada to make vessels for the house of the Lord. Joash did right in the eyes of God as long as Jehoiada lived. Jehoiada passed away when he was 130 years old and was buried among the kings. Some leaders need to continue to have good counsel and they will continue to do the right thing.
Rejecting God and Losing Life
The king turned away from God and God allowed him to be conquered and killed (2 Chronicles 24:17-27). After Jehoiada died, the princes of Judah won over Joash, turned from God, and led Joash to follow idols. God sent prophets to warn them against their wickedness. Then God sent Jehoiada’s son Zechariah to warn them, but Joash had him stoned to death. God allowed a small army of Syrians to overcome of Joash’s large army as judgment against them. Joash’s servants then killed him to extract justice because Joash killed Jehoiada’s son. A leader turning from God can lose both the war and their life.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
Not every leader has a strong foundation and heart for God. If leaders change based on their advisors/counselors, we need to always be aware of their advisors/counselors to know if we should continue to follow them.
What person have you seen change when they got new friends or new advisors?