How can we apply Joash's directive to address neglect in our spiritual lives? Seeing the Neglect “Therefore King Joash summoned Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and said to them, ‘Why have you not repaired the damage to the house? Do not take any more money from your treasurers, but hand it over for the repair of the house.’” (2 Kings 12:7) • Joash spots ruined walls and sagging beams—evidence that years of inattention have piled up. • Neglect in the Lord’s house parallels neglect in the Lord’s people. When devotion cracks or holiness sags, the damage shows (Revelation 2:4-5). • First step: admit what is broken. Psalm 139:23-24 invites the Spirit’s spotlight. Hearing the Directive • Joash does not merely lament; he commands, “Repair the damage.” Biblical faith never stops at diagnosis; it moves to obedience (James 1:22). • Neglect is reversed by decisive action, not vague intentions (Haggai 1:4-8). Stopping the Drain “Do not take any more money… ” • Before repairs can begin, the leak gets plugged. In spiritual terms: – Cut the habits that siphon time, energy, and affection away from Christ (Hebrews 12:1). – End attitudes that excuse laziness—“later” becomes “never.” • Practical examples: fasting from media that dulls hunger for Scripture, trimming commitments that crowd out church and family worship. Redirecting Resources “…but hand it over for the repair of the house.” • Re-allocate what God has already given: – Time: set fixed hours for Word and prayer (Psalm 1:2). – Finances: prioritize gospel work and mercy ministries (Matthew 6:21). – Gifts: serve the body so every “stone” is strengthened (1 Peter 4:10). • The same assets once wasted now fuel renewal. Partnering in Accountability Joash involves priests and treasurers (2 Kings 12:10-12). • Spiritual repair is communal: – Invite trusted believers to check the “scaffolding” of your walk (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Share progress and setbacks; isolation breeds collapse. Keeping the Temple Central Under the new covenant, the temple is both the gathered church (Ephesians 2:21-22) and the individual believer’s body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Guard purity—physical, moral, doctrinal. • Maintain reverence: worship that is regular, joyful, and scripturally rich. Maintaining Ongoing Repairs 2 Kings 12 closes with continuous funding so the house stays sound. Sustainable rhythms matter: • Daily: word, prayer, confession (Luke 9:23). • Weekly: corporate worship and Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9-11). • Seasonally: retreats, fasting, strategic giving (2 Timothy 1:6). Applying Joash’s directive means spotting spiritual neglect, stopping what drains devotion, redirecting God-given resources to repair, inviting accountability, and keeping the temple at the center so ongoing maintenance becomes a way of life. |
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