February 18, 2023

Passage Read: 2 Chronicles 22-25
Meditation Verses: 24:17-18

Thought

Joash faithfully followed the directions of Jehoiada until he passed. After that, some officials stepped up and won his favor and led him astray. He was not strong enough or wise enough to remain faithful to the Lord, but he was loyal to whatever man or men impressed him. Sadly, it was officials who later conspired against him and killed him. Which just goes to show that men are fickle and not to be trusted. God alone is unchanging and righteous, and so the only one who can be trusted. When kings were faithful to Him, He blessed them; when they turned away from Him, He disciplined them. But not all men need the front-most position, some are quite content to control things from behind. And when things don't go their way, they're not the least hesitant to replace the current front-man.

Application

No matter where I am or what responsibilities I'm given, my first duty is always to serve the Lord. While I need to consider the needs and wishes of those I serve, they can never be more important than the Lord's will and ways. Those I serve may come to hate me, but at least the Lord will still receive me. I serve people best when I lead them in God's ways, not when I grant all their wants and wishes, especially when some of those wants and wishes violate the Lord's Word. I need to be careful not to fear men and put their desires above the Lord's instructions.