How can Joash's reliance on Jehoiada inspire us to seek wise counsel? Setting the Scene: A Young King and His Mentor “Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years…” (2 Chronicles 24:1). A boy on the throne could have been disastrous, yet God provided Jehoiada the priest—a steadying, godly voice—to shepherd the young monarch. Observations from 2 Chronicles 24:1–3 • Verse 2 continues, “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” • The record ties Joash’s faithfulness directly to Jehoiada’s influence. • Jehoiada arranged wise marriages for Joash (v. 3) and later orchestrated temple repairs (vv. 4–14). Why Joash Needed Counsel • Age and inexperience: At seven, he lacked life experience. • National pressures: Judah faced idolatry, political intrigue, and the lingering shadow of Athaliah’s murderous reign. • Spiritual warfare: Satan opposes every God‐ordained leader (Ephesians 6:12). The Blessings Flowing from Wise Counsel • Stability: “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). • Growth: “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Jehoiada sharpened Joash’s convictions. • Fruitfulness: Temple worship was restored, offerings increased, and national morale lifted (2 Chronicles 24:8–10). • Protection: Wise counsel shielded Joash from the bad influences that later led him astray (compare vv. 17–22). Warnings from Joash's Later Years When Jehoiada died at 130, Joash turned to corrupt officials: • “After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah…abandoned the house of the LORD” (vv. 17–18). • Joash rejected the prophetic rebuke of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, and even had him killed (v. 22). Lesson: remove godly counsel, and even a previously faithful life can unravel (1 Corinthians 15:33). Practical Steps to Seek and Value Godly Counsel Today 1. Pray for mentors who love Christ and His Word. 2. Weigh advice against Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed…for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). 3. Invite accountability; give trusted believers permission to speak hard truth (Hebrews 3:13). 4. Cultivate humility—wise counsel only helps the teachable (James 1:21). 5. Stay connected; when mentors pass away or move on, seek new godly voices rather than drifting alone. Christ: The Greater Jehoiada Jehoiada points to Jesus, our perfect Counselor (Isaiah 9:6): • Constant—He never dies, so His guidance never ceases (Hebrews 7:25). • Complete—“In Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom” (Colossians 2:3). • Close—His Spirit indwells believers, offering moment-by-moment counsel (John 14:26). Key Takeaways to Carry Forward • God often delivers His wisdom through faithful people. • Receiving counsel is a mark of strength, not weakness. • The quality of voices we heed determines the direction of our lives. • Stay under the leadership of Christ, the ultimate Counselor, and surround yourself with His faithful servants so your story ends better than Joash’s. |
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