2 Chronicles 21-24, Psalm 76
2 Chronicles 24:17-18 (NLT)
“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.”
In 2 Chronicles 24:17–18, we read about what happened to King Joash after Jehoiada the priest died. Joash had followed Jehoiada's guidance, remained faithful to the Lord, and upheld the practices of worship at the Temple. Once the priest died, however, Joash's faithfulness waned, and when the officials of Judah came to him, he listened to their advice. The officials convinced Joash to abandon the Lord and His Temple. Under Joash's leadership, the people turned to idolatry and worshiped other gods. Father-God responded to their sin with judgment against Judah and Jerusalem.
These verses remind believers that our faith needs to be based on our own relationship with the Lord instead of depending on another person's faith. Believers need spiritual mentors and leaders, but a mentor or leader cannot seek Father-God for us. A believer's faithfulness needs to continue even when an influential spiritual leader or mentor is no longer present. A relationship with a spiritual mentor or leader cannot become a substitute for a relationship with the Lord. When believers turn away from the Lord and embrace idolatry, their choices have consequences.
These verses remind me that while Father-God sends pastors, teachers, and spiritual mentors to guide me, my relationship with Him ultimately has to be my own. I cannot depend upon another person's faith to sustain mine. I need to continually seek the Lord, read His Word, pray, and listen for the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that my faith remains steadfast regardless of who is around me.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who desires a relationship with everyone who believes in Him—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment