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August 10, 2018

2 Chronicles 24:20-22

Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple. King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the Lord see this and call you to account.”

New International Version (NIV)

   “Whatever your friends do, you will do,” said one of my young college-aged friends. Is this true?   Is it new? If so, we might prayerfully look at our friends’ choices. Think for a moment about who has the most influence on you these days. Are they leading us closer to God or farther away?

               At a dark time in the life of Judah, God used a godly priest named Jehoiada to save the life of a young heir to the throne named Joash. In a recent sermon, our intern Caleb Parrish reminded us that Jehoiada mentored Joash, who became king at the age of seven. As long as his mentor Jehoiada was alive, Joash did well spiritually. But after the mentor died, Joash listened to other voices. Prophets came to warn God’s people but they would not listen.

               As Joash’s reign grew more dark he ended up ignoring the voice of Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah. Worst of all, Joash killed the messenger, the son of his mentor. He “forgot Jehoiada’s kindness” and killed his son.   As life left him, Zechariah said, “May the Lord see and demand an account.” Clearly, not all that starts well ends well.

               Who has been most kind to us? How have we repaid that kindness. This painful story reminds us that God has been very kind to us. Our sins killed his Son. Thankfully the story has not ended. Remember Jesus said to his disciples who would betray and desert him, “Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.” The next day, Jesus prayed, “Father forgive them.” Then he rose again. Today we can choose to follow the path of godliness or the path of sin. One way leads to life, the other to death. Which way will we choose?

Pray with me:

Father, thank you for the good and godly influences in our lives who have guided us closer to you. Give us the wisdom to know bad advice when we see it and to flee from it. Help us again to remember the kind counsel of your Son, Jesus. In his name we pray. Amen.

This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane

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