How can we ensure our actions align with God's will, like Jehoiada's? A Moment in the Courtyard (2 Kings 11:16) “So they seized her, and she was taken by the horses’ entrance to the king’s house, and there she was put to death.” Athaliah’s violent reign ends exactly where Jehoiada—the priest who refused to compromise—said it should. His courage restores the rightful king (Joash) and protects the Davidic line God had promised. What Mattered to God in Jehoiada’s Actions • He acted on clear, written revelation: God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • He refused syncretism; no place for Baal in Judah (cf. Exodus 20:3). • He protected innocent life—Joash and the royal heirs—valuing what God values (Psalm 82:3-4). • He involved others in obedience, rallying guards, Levites, and the people (Nehemiah 4:14). • He confronted evil decisively yet lawfully, using the authority God gave him as priest. Steps for Us to Align Our Actions with God’s Will 1. Treasure God’s Word as final authority • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) • Daily reading, memorizing, and meditating protects us from drift. 2. Seek the Spirit’s guidance in prayerful dependence • “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things.” (John 14:26) • Invite Him to search motives and highlight next steps. 3. Submit to God-given roles and responsibilities • Jehoiada acted as priest; we honor our own callings—parent, employee, citizen—recognizing Christ’s lordship (Colossians 3:17). 4. Surround yourself with likeminded believers • “Two are better than one… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) • Accountability safeguards against compromise. 5. Exercise courage rooted in truth • “Be strong and very courageous… do not turn from it to the right or to the left.” (Joshua 1:7) • Obey promptly even when culture objects. 6. Measure success by faithfulness, not immediate results • “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) • God handles outcomes; we handle obedience. Guardrails That Keep Us on Course • Confession and quick repentance (1 John 1:9). • Regular self-examination through Scripture’s mirror (James 1:22-25). • Avoiding partial obedience—Saul’s downfall (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Practicing gratitude; it anchors the heart in God’s goodness (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Scriptures That Reinforce the Pattern • Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust and acknowledge Him; He straightens paths. • Micah 6:8—Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly. • John 14:21—Love proven by obedience. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—The Word equips for every good work. Living the Jehoiada Pattern Today Hold Scripture high, lean on the Spirit’s power, act within God-given spheres, stand firm with courage, and let faithfulness—not applause—define success. Alignment with God’s will then becomes a steady posture rather than a frantic search, just as it was for Jehoiada in that decisive courtyard moment. |
    |