What role does faith play in supporting young leaders like Joash today? The Context: A Child on the Throne – “Joash was seven years old when he became king.” (2 Kings 11:21) – His reign began in chaos: Athaliah’s murderous coup had wiped out every royal heir she could find (vv. 1–3). – The priest Jehoiada hid Joash for six years, then risked everything to seat the boy on the throne (vv. 4–12). – The entire narrative is shot through with faith—confidence that God’s covenant with David could not be broken. Faith in Action: What Jehoiada Shows Us • Trust in God’s promise (2 Samuel 7:12–16) moved Jehoiada to shelter the boy instead of surrendering to despair. • Faith produced courageous obedience—Jehoiada organized guards, crowned Joash, and led the people in covenant renewal (2 Kings 11:17). • Faith nurtured worship: “Jehoiada stationed guards at the house of the LORD” (v. 18). A protected place of worship kept Joash’s heart aligned with God from the start. Why Faith Still Matters for Young Leaders 1. Faith declares God’s purpose over them. – Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” – Isaiah 54:13: “All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace.” 2. Faith supplies bold advocates. – Like Jehoiada, mentors step in to defend, guide, and champion young callings (Proverbs 17:17). 3. Faith establishes an atmosphere of worship and truth. – Psalm 78:4 commands us to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD.” 4. Faith models courage. – Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith moves ordinary people to act against overwhelming odds. Practical Ways to Support Today’s “Joashes” • Protect them from destructive influences. – Set boundaries on media, friendships, and environments that undermine godliness (Proverbs 4:23). • Teach Scripture early and consistently. – “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). • Speak destiny over them. – Call out gifts you see and link them to Kingdom purposes (1 Timothy 4:14). • Provide godly mentorship. – Pair emerging leaders with seasoned believers who pray, advise, and model integrity (Titus 2:7). • Engage them in corporate worship and service. – Young faith grows sturdy when it is exercised (James 2:17). Warning Lights: When Faith Is Absent – Compromise creeps in. Joash faltered after Jehoiada died (2 Chronicles 24:17–22). – The next generation drifts when not anchored to conviction (Judges 2:10). – Fear replaces purpose; without faith-filled supporters, young leaders feel alone and overwhelmed. Encouragement for Modern Joashes and Their Supporters – Faith is “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). – God specializes in using unlikely people—like a seven-year-old king—to advance His kingdom. – When believers surround youth with courageous, worship-saturated, Scripture-anchored faith, those youth rise to their God-given calling and bless the generations to come. |
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