But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them. They abandoned the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and the idols; so wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their guilt.
So they conspired against him (Jehoiada's son Zechariah) and at the command of the king they stoned him to death in the court of the house of the Lord.
When they (Arameans who had attacked Judah) had departed from him (for they left him very sick), his own servants conspired against him, because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest, and murdered him in his bed.
Now these are those who conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith the Moabitess.
(2 Chronicles 24:17-18, 21, 25a & 26)
Now, to truly grasp the details of this story, I'd recommend that you read all of chapter 24. But, here's the summary. Joash the king was faithful to the Lord as long as Jehoiada the priest, the man who'd raised him, was alive. As soon as Jehoiada died, Joash followed the suggestions of people who didn't want to follow God. Jehoiada's son came to rebuke Joash, so Joash had him put to death. So, some time later two of his servants murdered him in revenge.
There are two things that I find interesting here. I mentioned them in my challenge one day, but there's a little more detail on my mind. I'll post them one at a time, so be on the lookout for post #2 in a day or two!
First of all, things are not always what they seem. Joash had, under the influence and guidance of Jehoiada, led Judah in a great reform. He had the places of worship to false gods removed and oversaw the renovation of the Temple. So, on the outside, Judah was following God. But, it wasn't a heart change! It seems as if the rulers of Judah, including Joash himself, were simply going through the motions of worshiping God, but there was no real and true motivation and love for God. Just rote obedience. Jehoiada obviously had a great deal of power and influence over the nation because as long as he was alive, these good and right actions continued. But, once Jehoiada passed away, there was no longer a motivation to follow God and the right path.
I wonder how many Joashes and officials of Judah we have in our churches and families. Why are the people we know - or why are we ourselves, for that matter - following God? Is it because there is truly a relationship with our Savior, or is it because we're pleasing mankind?
This reminds me of a dating relationship I allowed myself to be involved in. I'd known the guy as a child, and I really wanted to be asked out on a date. My family had returned to Arkansas from Jordan for stateside assignment, and we renewed our friendship during those first months in my hometown before starting college. Then the friendship grew to a relationship. I knew from the get-go that although he was a good friend he was not the man for me, and I told him so. I saw in him a lack of devotion to the Lord, and that wasn't what I wanted in a long-term relationship or marriage. But, I wanted a boyfriend, so I agreed to date him. And, he began to act like he cared about the things I care about. He acted like church and a relationship with the Lord were important to him. The truth is that they never were. He was doing it all for me. As the relationship - one that should have never started - was coming to an end, he returned to his true interests, and they had nothing to do with the things of God. In fact, my eyes were opened to realize that he'd never put them aside - he'd just hid them while we were dating.
The leaders of Judah, and probably the people as well, didn't have a relationship with the Lord. They had a relationship with Jehoiada the priest. When he was gone, there was nothing firm to fall back on. There was no reason to be devoted to the Lord whom they had never really served. In the same way, my boyfriend didn't have a relationship with the Lord - he had a relationship with me. When I was no longer in his life, there was nothing left to draw him to the Lord and lead him in the right path.
What is the motivation for our actions? Are we motivated by a sense of morality? Do we want to make sure that we keep in good standing with family members, friends, or fellow church members? Are we concerned about the way that people who truly walk with the Lord will see us, leading us to try to imitate their actions and look good? Or, are we truly motivated by a relationship with the Lord?
If we are motivated by anything of this world, whether good or bad, we will eventually fail and fall away. That is just the truth. But, if we are motivated by a relationship with Christ, there will be a consistent solidarity in everything we do. Be warned - if we are truly motivated by Christ, we will often stand in contrast to those around us, even those who in church. Why? Because many of those who faithfully attend church are not motivated by that relationship. So, we will not really be liked. Zechariah followed in the footsteps of his father - he stood in contrast to the leaders of the land by exhibiting a true relationship with the Lord. It cost him his life. But, he is recorded in Scripture as having been faithful.
I am being greatly challenged lately to evaluate my motivation for every action. I want to make sure that I am motivated by my relationship with my Savior, not by any worldly leadership. May it be so of us all!
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