What lessons can we learn about loyalty from 2 Chronicles 24:26? Setting the Scene “Those who conspired against him were Zabad son of Shimeath the Ammonitess and Jehozabad son of Shimrith the Moabitess.” (2 Chronicles 24:26) Tracing the Storyline of Loyalty • Joash was rescued as an infant, hid in the temple, and crowned by Jehoiada the priest (24:1–3). • While Jehoiada lived, Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (24:2). • After Jehoiada’s death, Joash listened to ungodly officials, turned to idolatry, and ordered the stoning of Jehoiada’s own son, Zechariah (24:17–22). • God allowed the Arameans to wound Joash; then his own servants—named in v. 26—finished him off, “because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest” (24:25). Key Lessons on Loyalty • Loyalty begins with covenant faithfulness to God – When Joash stayed loyal to the LORD, his kingdom stood secure (Psalm 18:25). – Disloyalty to God opened the door for every other betrayal (James 4:4). • Human loyalty is nourished—or poisoned—by righteousness – Righteous leadership invites loyal hearts (Proverbs 20:28). – Joash’s injustice toward Zechariah eroded the trust of those closest to him; their conspiracy mirrored his own treachery (Galatians 6:7). • Gratitude sustains loyalty – Joash forgot the kindness Jehoiada showed him (24:22). – Ingratitude hardens the heart and fractures relationships (Romans 1:21). • Foreign influences can sway our loyalties – Both assassins were sons of Ammonite and Moabite women—nations historically opposed to Israel (Deuteronomy 23:3–4). – Compromised alliances often undermine covenant faithfulness (1 Corinthians 15:33). • God remains the ultimate avenger of disloyalty – Though the conspiracy was wrong, God used it as judgment for innocent blood (2 Chronicles 24:22; Romans 12:19). Putting Loyalty into Practice • Guard your first love for the Lord daily—loyalty to Him anchors every other relationship (Matthew 22:37–38). • Cultivate gratitude; remember and honor the people God used to bless you (Philippians 1:3). • Choose companions who strengthen, not weaken, your devotion to Christ (Psalm 101:6–7). • Lead with integrity; righteous actions foster loyal followership (Proverbs 16:12). • Trust God to deal with betrayal—responding in faith keeps your own loyalty uncompromised (1 Peter 2:23). |
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