SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 12
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him. [2 Kings 12:2]
There is a subtle clue in this passage that hints at an important lesson.
It seems that Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord WHILE he was under the counsel of God’s priest.
What is hinted at here, is made explicit in another account: 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, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem. [2 Chronicles 24:17-18]
This added information explains why the king of Aram attacks Judea, and why the temple treasures have to be surrendered.
The Chronicles passage makes it clear that Joash refuses to listen to God’s prophets who warn him; in the absence of God’s priest, he goes astray.

All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. [John 14:26]
Jesus is leaving, but He does not leave His followers without a Counselor.
Through the Spirit, His followers have direct access to God’s chosen priest.
We are not without wisdom and guidance, we have available to us the wisdom of God in Jesus.
He warns us, guides us, comforts us, rebukes us.
He is with us, but will we listen, will we follow?
Or will we follow the sorry path of Joash, who began so well, but in the end gave in to the deceptive, destructive whispers of folly and sin.

This passage inspires me to listen carefully to the voices that I am paying attention to, and to make sure I spend as much time as possible with God’s chosen high priest – Jesus!

PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for being with me, and guiding me with Your wisdom. Thank You that I am not alone.