2 Chron 24:2 Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest.
Commentary says of his behavior, “All that Joash had done was to give his heart to Jehoiada, not to Jehovah.” Joash gave his heart to the gift first instead of to the Giver. So when Jehoiada died, Joash was, in a sense, adrift. And the officials of Judah took full advantage of the situation.
2 Chron 24:17 After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them.
As a child, I often wondered how I was supposed to love God, the Giver, more than my parents, His gift. My parents were real and tangible to me in a way God wasn’t. As an adult, I have an easier time recognizing that God is the Giver, that all of the amazing people He has placed in my life are His gift to me, but I still struggle at times with gift and Giver and which to place first. Jesus, Help me.
2 Chron 24:18 They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came on Judah and Jerusalem.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are the Giver of all the gifts in my life. Help me to place You first. Always. Help me also to treasure the amazing people, such beautiful gifts, that You have given me but to never forget that You are the source of all gifts. Draw me closer. Amen.
2 Chron 24:22 King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the LORD see this and call you to account.”
Have a blessed day.