This chapter describes Jehoash’s final period as King of Judah.
“Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and… the king listened to them. And they abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols. And wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs. Yet [God] sent prophets among them… but they would not pay attention… [Jehoash’s] servants conspired against him because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and killed him on his bed. So he died, and they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the tombs of the kings.” (v17-19, 25 abr)
Jehoash, who followed God his entire life, turned away in his later days. When Jehoiada the chief priest (his surrogate father) passes, he listens to foolish people and falls away. He even executes Jehoiada’s son who prophesied and tried bringing him back to faith. As a consequence God allows the Syrians to defeat Judah, wounding Jehoash, who is then assassinated by his own servants. He is not given an honorable burial.
The Bible reminds us about finishing well. It’s fantastic to spend our lives serving God, though it’s critical to have faith when our lives here on earth conclude. The thief on the cross next to Jesus didn’t serve God at all, yet he still finished well, full of faith, and was promised a place in heaven (see Mt 27:38, Lk 23:32-43, Mk 15:27).
Paul gives several reminders as well: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Php 1:6) “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tm 4:7)
It’s important to stay on the right path, especially later in life. The problem is, we do not know the hour or minute we will leave this earth (only God knows). This means we must always be ready and faithful, never growing cold or complacent. I encourage us to root ourselves in God daily, because we don’t know when our final day will be.
Father God, our Holy and Magnificent King, You are worthy of our obedience. Please remind us daily to root ourselves in You. May we never wander too far, and stay within earshot of Your still small voice. We will fight the good fight, and finish the race, keeping the faith, and never giving up. In the name of Jesus who set the example for us all, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training