December 16, 2023
What does it say?
Joash repaired the temple and served the Lord during Jehoiada’s lifetime
What does it mean?
Joash trusted Jehoiada and was heavily influenced by his guidance. However, their relationship was tested when Jehoiada was slow to act on Joash’s command to collect money for the temple renovation. As High Priest, Jehoiada’s response was crucial to the success of the project. In fact, it was Jehoiada’s influence that led to Joash’s desire to please the Lord in the first place. Joash’s willingness to confront his mentor led to overflowing generosity by the people and the fulfillment of God’s plan to repair His house.
How should I respond?
Who are the trusted influencers in your life? How do you respond when one of them doesn’t agree with where God is leading you? It takes courage and discipline to slow down and seek God’s direction. It is important to seek godly counsel, but ultimately you must listen for God’s voice. How is the Lord using Scripture to guide you? How much time do you spend in prayer, aligning your heart to His? Be thankful for the godly influences in your life but recognize that they are only human. God is the only One who sees the big picture and knows the path He has planned for you.