2 Chronicles 24
Scripture:
1 Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother’s name was Zibiah; she was from Beersheba.
2 Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the years of Jehoiada the priest.
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17 After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them.
18 They abandoned the temple of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols. Because of their guilt, God’s anger came upon Judah and Jerusalem.
19 Although the LORD sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.
Observation:
There are times in our life when we need advice, encouragement, or confirmation. This chapter gives us a glimpse into what can happen when we turn our backs on Godly advice. For a season, Joash was listening to Jehoiada the priest and consequently did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. After Jehoiada’s death, however, Joash began listening to people who led him astray. As a result, Joash began rejecting the Lord and eventually stoned Jehoiada’s son, Zechariah, to death for sharing a message from the Lord that they did not like. This rejection of God’s word set Israel on a path that ultimately led to destruction.
As Spirit-Empowered Men, we must be, well, Spirit-Led. While we will often need others to encourage us as we follow God’s will for our lives, any advice we receive must line up with Biblical principles. Pray for God’s discernment as you travel this discipleship journey.
Application:
- Personal Application: As we walk this discipleship journey we must continue to seek the voice of the Lord in each season. We must also surround ourselves with others who are led by God’s Spirit and will always give us Godly advice.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Remind them of the importance of always seeking the voice of the Lord. Encourage them to pay close attention to any advice they receive and to make sure it lines up with Biblical principles. Pray with them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God for the ability to hear His voice first and that any advice that you receive will be a confirmation of God’s will.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will be able to discern Godly advice from human advice and will continue to serve the Lord through every season of life.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 20 – Sunday, September 27:
- Sunday, September 20: 2 Chronicles 23
- Monday, September 21: 2 Chronicles 24
- Tuesday, September 22: 2 Chronicles 25
- Wednesday, September 23: 2 Chronicles 26-27
- Thursday, September 24: 2 Chronicles 28
- Friday, September 25: 2 Chronicles 29
- Saturday, September 26: 2 Chronicles 30
- Sunday, September 27: 2 Chronicles 31
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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