2 Chronicles 24 Devotional

When Borrowed Faith Runs Out

“Nevertheless, the LORD sent prophets to bring the people back to Him and to testify against them, but they would not listen.”2 Chronicles 24:19 (BSB)

Joash does what is right as long as Jehoiada the priest lives (24:2). He repairs the temple, and the people bring their contributions gladly until the chest is full (24:4-14).

After Jehoiada dies, the officials of Judah come to the king, and he listens to them. They abandon the house of the LORD and serve idols (24:17-18). Even now the LORD does not simply let them go. He sends prophets to bring them back (24:19). Finally the Spirit comes on Zechariah, Jehoiada's own son, who warns that because they have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken them. At the king's order they stone him in the temple courtyard. Joash forgets all the kindness Jehoiada had shown him, and the dying Zechariah asks the LORD to take notice and hold him responsible (24:20-22). The LORD does see, and judgment soon follows (24:23-25). Centuries later another righteous man was killed unjustly, and he prayed for his killers' forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Faith that rests on him, not on any human guide, does not run out.

To think about: Whose faith have you been leaning on in place of your own trust in God, and how might you bring that before him?