Standing Strong

2 Kings 11-12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6 

“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest…After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the temple of the Lord…”

2 Chronicles 24:2, 17, 18

Joash was like a young tree that was staked to a strong pole (the priest Jehoiada), so that the tree would grow up straight. When the pole was removed, the tree fell over. 

Why?

Joash never developed his own life of worship and intimacy with the Lord. He had no spiritual roots. When the Judean officials finally acknowledged his authority following the death of Jehoiada, Joash was easily swayed away from the Lord.

Do we serve God out of deference to our parents, family tradition, spouse, or mentors?

Or, have we developed our own spiritual roots that keep us strong when all other supports have been removed?

“Lord Jesus, you are my strength and my life. My hope is in you, for your glory.”