“But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed down before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice.” 2 Chronicles 24:17 NLT
The Message paraphrases the first part of this verse like this, “But after the death of Jehoida things fell apart.” Joash became king at the young age of seven and was able to lean on the priest, Jehoiada, for advice. Even though Joash did well while listening to Jehoiada’s instructions for approximately 23 years, all of Jehoiada’s teaching and instructions seemed to be cast away by Joash with his passing.
I am reminded that we need to reflect back on how God has walked with us and renew our relationship with the Lord daily. Hebrews 12:2 says, “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus – the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.”
If we choose to toss out God’s instructions, we will end up like Joash – not honoured and not buried in the royal cemetery. But by keeping our eyes on Jesus, we too will be seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.
Lock Your Wings 
This stood out for me:
“Yet the Lord sent prophets to bring them back to him. The prophets warned them, but still the people would not listen.”
2 Chronicles 24:19 NLT
God never abandons us. We are constantly pursued and have the chance to return to God regardless of what we’ve done, how far we’ve strayed, or how long we’ve turned away. “Yet” is a powerful word. I use it in my classroom: instead of I don’t know…we say I don’t know yet. Instead of I can’t …we say I can’t do this yet. God could say I give up on these foolish sinners and instead He says “Yet” the Lord sent prophets to bring them back to him. He never gives up on us.
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