How does Joash's decision in 2 Kings 12:18 compare to Matthew 6:19-21? Setting the Scene: Joash’s Choice in 2 Kings 12:18 “King Joash of Judah took all the consecrated gifts that his fathers — Jehoshaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah, the kings of Judah — had dedicated, as well as his own consecrated gifts and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and of the royal palace, and he sent them to Hazael king of Aram, who then withdrew from Jerusalem.” (2 Kings 12:18) • God’s sacred treasure was stripped from the temple. • Joash relied on material wealth to buy temporary safety. • The king’s heart, which once led a temple-repair revival (2 Kings 12:4-16; 2 Chronicles 24:4-13), shifted to fear-driven pragmatism. • He treated consecrated items as expendable currency rather than gifts set apart for the LORD (Leviticus 27:28). Jesus’ Counsel: Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21) • Earthly treasures perish, are vulnerable, and redirect the heart toward anxiety. • Heavenly treasures endure, anchor affections above, and free the believer from fear. • Jesus connects treasure location with heart location: treasure governs affections (Colossians 3:1-2). Point-by-Point Comparison • Motivation – Joash: fear of Hazael’s army. – Jesus: desire to honor God and gain eternal reward. • Source of Security – Joash: gold and silver he could see. – Jesus: unseen reward kept by God (1 Peter 1:4-5). • Outcome – Joash: immediate relief yet long-term spiritual loss; the treasury of the LORD was emptied, and Joash’s later reign ended in assassination (2 Chronicles 24:25). – Jesus: promise of imperishable treasure, peace, and true safety (Philippians 4:6-7). • Heart Direction – Joash: heart shifted from temple devotion to political survival (Proverbs 3:5-6 warns against leaning on our own understanding). – Jesus: invites hearts heavenward, centered on God’s kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Lessons for Today • Sacred things are not bargaining chips; they belong to the LORD. • Fear tempts us to sacrifice spiritual priorities for quick fixes (Isaiah 30:1-3). • True security rests in God’s faithfulness, not in earthly assets (Psalm 20:7). • Where we place our resources reveals—even shapes—where we place our hearts. Putting It Into Practice • Review personal “treasuries”: what consumes time, money, and energy? • Redirect resources toward eternal purposes—generosity, gospel ministry, acts of mercy (1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Trust God’s protection rather than resorting to unfaithful compromises. • Keep your heart aligned with heaven by continually treasuring Christ above all (Hebrews 12:2). |
    |