In what ways can we act to preserve God's work in our communities? The Setting in 2 Kings 11:2 “ But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah. So he was not killed.” Jehosheba’s quiet, decisive act preserved the Davidic line and safeguarded God’s covenant promise. Scripture records this as literal history, showing one faithful woman’s role in keeping God’s work alive for her generation and beyond. Key Principles for Preservation Today • Treasure what God has already done. • Act when evil threatens. • Provide safe places for truth and people to grow. • Keep an eye on future generations. • Stand together, not alone. Guard the Promises Already Given • God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:16) hung on Joash’s survival; Jehosheba guarded it. • In the same spirit, “Guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). • Preserve biblical teaching, salvation testimony, and the ministry heritage in your church. Courageous Action in the Face of Threat • Jehosheba risked her life; courage is often the gateway to preservation. • Proverbs 24:11 urges stepping in: “Rescue those being led away to death.” • Speak up against moral decay, defend life, confront injustice in love. Safe Havens for Growing Faith • Joash hid in “a bedroom” and later “in the house of the LORD six years” (2 Kings 11:3). • Offer hospitable homes, church buildings, and small groups as sanctuaries. • Provide mentoring spaces where believers can mature, shielded from hostile influences. Investing in the Next Generation • Joash was only an infant; nurturing him preserved the future of the nation. • Psalm 145:4: “One generation will declare Your works to the next.” • Teach children Scripture, involve youth in ministry, model godly living at home and school. Standing Firm on Unchanging Truth • Jude 3: “Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints.” • Guard doctrine, refute error, uphold biblical morals, even when culture drifts. • 1 Timothy 6:20: “O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you.” Guarding Hearts Through Intercession • Jehosheba’s hidden work surely included prayerful watchfulness. • Acts 20:28 links oversight and spiritual vigilance. • Lift leaders, families, and community needs before the throne; spiritual battles are won there first. Working Together as Faithful Stewards • Jehosheba, the priest Jehoiada, nurses, and temple guards formed a network. • Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds that “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” • Cultivate teamwork among churches, ministries, and believers across generations. Living as Salt and Light • Matthew 5:13-16 calls believers to preserving (salt) and illuminating (light). • Refuse compromise; radiate Christ through good deeds that glorify the Father. • A community influenced by such lives experiences both moral preservation and gospel proclamation. Putting It All Together Preserving God’s work involves guarding truth, protecting people, nurturing the young, praying fervently, and taking courageous, collective action. Like Jehosheba, believers today can quietly but decisively secure the future of God’s purposes in their communities. |
    |