2 Chronicles 24 NLT
Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother was Zibiah from Beersheba. Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest… But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice. They decided to abandon the Temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they worshiped Asherah poles and idols instead! Because of this sin, divine anger fell on Judah and Jerusalem. (1-2, 17-18)
In many respects, Joash was a great king who had a great start. He brought many reforms and he rebuilt the temple following God with all of his heart. Yet, at the end of his reign, he got on the wrong path and is remembered for failure and taking the people of God backward instead of forwards. The difference in his life was made by the influence of a Godly man. At a very tender age, Joash become king and was mentored and advised by Jehoiada the priest. Yet, it doesn’t seem that all of Joash’s reforms were just Jehoida’s ideas. Joash takes the initiative and leads well, but he has a wise, God-fearing man who is advising him, caring for him, and guiding him.
After the death of Jehoida, though, things go downhill. Other ungodly leaders come in and fill the vacuum left by Jehoida’s absence and soon they have incited the King to lead the entire nation down the wrong path. This highlights the importance of Godly counsel in the life of a leader, but even more so the importance of guiding young children in the way they should go. Under the tutelage of Jehoida, even a seven-year-old king could please God and make changes. Surrounded by the wrong influence, the adult Joash makes mistake after mistake. It is imperative that we raise our kids well and that we teach them the right things at the right time. Most of all, it is important that we are the right influence and example for them when they are young. This is the only way to ensure that they will still listen to us when they are old.
