The Daily Word: Thursday, July 29th, 2021
2 Chronicles 24:1-25:28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. – 2 Chron. 24:2
Joash started out as a good king. Though he was only “seven years old when he became king” (v 1), he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord” (v 2). He rebuilt the temple at Jerusalem. He honored the Lord with his thoughts, words, and actions. But Joash had a good mentor. A man named Jehoiada the priest coached Joash and told him what to do from a young age. Jerusalem had peace: “the people of the land rejoiced; and the city was quiet” (2 Chron. 23:21).
But when Jehoiada died, Joash went off the rails. He listened to men instead of God (v 17). He served “wooden images and idols” (v 18); and though God sent prophets to remind and encourage Joash to return his attention to God, he didn’t listen.
This is what happens when you follow man instead of God. Joash listened to Jehoiada! But he never learned to hear God for himself. And the consequences were disastrous. Joash’s obedience expired as soon as Jehoiada died, because he loved his mentor instead of his Father.
Don’t follow men! Follow God. Don’t follow men and women who are anointed! Follow the God who does the anointing. Idolizing someone who has a great relationship with Jesus is not the same as having a great relationship with Jesus for yourself. Men will fail and pass away; but God will never fail.
Prayer:
Father, I want to follow You! Convict me if there are areas in my life where I am following someone else instead of You. Please don’t allow me to settle for following a man or woman who knows You instead of knowing You for myself. I am asking You to protect me, and to bless me, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.