How can spiritual mentorship, like Jehoiada's, impact our walk with God today? The snapshot: Jehoiada and Joash “Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” (2 Kings 12:2) Why Jehoiada’s mentorship mattered • He supplied truth: as high priest he kept God’s Word before the young king (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • He modeled faithfulness: his own walk gave Joash a living picture of covenant loyalty (1 Corinthians 11:1). • He protected from evil: Jehoiada shielded Joash from the idolatry that had killed earlier kings (2 Chronicles 24:7). • He stewarded calling: guiding Joash to repair the temple (2 Kings 12:4-16) showed the king how to pursue God-given purpose. Timeless pattern of biblical mentorship 1. Moses → Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) 2. Elijah → Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-15) 3. Jesus → the Twelve (Mark 3:14) 4. Paul → Timothy, Titus (2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:4) New-Testament affirmation • Proverbs 13:20 “Walk with the wise and become wise…” • Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith.” • Ephesians 4:11-13 God gives pastors and teachers “to equip the saints.” • Titus 2:3-8 older believers train younger ones in everyday holiness. Practical impact for us today • Anchors us in Scripture: a mentor ensures our convictions rest on God’s inerrant Word, not shifting feelings. • Cultivates accountability: another set of godly eyes keeps us from blind spots (Galatians 6:1-2). • Transfers wisdom efficiently: life lessons gained over decades reach us in minutes. • Strengthens perseverance: shared burdens lighten discouragement (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). • Multiplies ministry: equipped disciples become equipers (2 Timothy 2:2). How to pursue Jehoiada-style relationships – Seek mentors whose lives consistently echo Scripture. – Invite regular, honest feedback on faith, family, work, worship. – Absorb both teaching and example—truth and tone. – Commit to reproducing the investment in someone else, so the chain never breaks. Closing thought Joash’s faith thrived as long as Jehoiada lived; when the priest died, the king drifted (2 Chronicles 24:17-22). The lesson is clear: stay under sound, steady spiritual mentorship, and become that same steady voice for the next generation. |
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