Ever become emotionally attached to a Christian leader and feel crushed when they’re showcased in the news as a hypocrite? How disheartening when you have connected with a leader, followed them, and were loyal to their ministry.
1 and II Chronicles seems like it is a simple repeat of I and II Kings, but it is quite fascinating to see how two different writers interpreted the same events of history; in part because of their audience. The three main differences I noted that jumped out were:
- The Chronicler places great importance on the temple and the role it was intended to play and represent to the Israelites; it was the first rooted establishment God would dwell in on the earth.
- The Chronicler also stresses the ramifications of ways God punishes people in direct relation to them sinning against Him AND if someone humbles themselves.
- Kings is written from quite a logical standpoint with reference to the covenant, which is the determining factor of the length he goes to in which he will inform his audience of a particular person–whether they upheld the covenant or did not; a binding agreement that both parties entered into and we are walked through the blessings and curses of those decisions.
Recently, I read the account of Joash. When he was a baby, he was hidden away in the palace as his Grandma killed all of his family so she alone could rule the kingdom without an heir to threaten her position; quite the unfortunate family dynamics there. The priest Jehoida eventually set up a coup to overthrow her and appoint the rightful heir to the throne, Joash, who had been in hiding.
And so it goes that Joash became king at 7 years old. I have a 10 year old that I leave in charge to do the dishes and it’s a good level for us to be at, I can’t imagine a 7 year old in charge of an entire nation. But what struck me in the account was this line: “And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoida the priest.” (II Chronicles 24:2)
It very much reads to me that this is the Old Testament version of worldly or lukewarm “Christians”. Joash did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord because his heart was aimed at God. He did it because he was following the counsel of a Godly man.
“…[A]ll the days of Jehoida the priest.”
II Chronicles 24:2b
Joash acted consistent with those who are in right relationship with the Lord, he even had a priority during his kingship to repair the temple. Until Jehoida died. Then his true heart attitude was released for all to see; he was no longer reigned in by a Christian guide in his life. He abandoned the temple, as well as God, and then worshiped Asherah poles and idols. He swung so far on the pendulum that when Jehoida’s own son came to prophecy the words of the Lord against his disobedience, he ordered for him to be stoned to death.
How much different are some members within our churches today? The pews are littered with those who claim the name of Christ and who do what would be considered right in His eyes, for a time. If God has not unveiled their eyes and they have not stepped into true alignment with Him as the God of their life, then I fear they are those who will hear those dreadful words on the final day “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23) Take note if someone in your life has claimed God as Lord of their life but strongly deviates to do evil; study the Bible and pray that it will be clear whether or not their heart has been truly humbled through it (genuine signs of an apology will give you some insight into whether their heart is truly repentant).
“…[T]o those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.”
Titus 1:15-16
Such. Strong. Language. It’s in the Bible, and it’s there for a reason. A Christian has much more that should be attributed to them than mere knowledge or words, everything they do will stem from a heart that has been utterly wrecked in order that the Holy Spirit can dwell there. So also true, a Christian’s actions will be focused on doing God’s will, not doing ‘Christian actions’ like “prophesying in His name, driving out demons, or do many mighty works” (paraphrase, Matthew 7:22).
If you take Matthew 7 in context, you read right before about the beatitudes and fruit in keeping with repentance. Then it talks about just how narrow the gate is that leads to Heaven and the ravenous wolves *among us*.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
Matthew 7:21-22
What matters is NOT outward acts we do effecting the appearance of being His, but as verse 21 clearly states, it is the one who does the will of the Father. It is His will. You will not know the will of the Father until you have submitted your own to Him completely. God is inviting repentance, true repentance whereby change is effected from true conversion. He doesn’t want lip service, he wants your heart.
Joash was no different. He followed a Christian leader, and when Jehoida died, Joash’s true heart condition was revealed for what it truly was.
If you want to study more about the repentance of the Bible, I invite you to read this post.
Let’s work on our hearts together!
This blog post was featured on the Fresh Market Friday Link Up.
~Becca
I believe a lot of people just go along with you and still act whatever way they want to with others, if they followed God’s heart, there would be more healing, demons leaving, spiritual gifts. He never meant for people to charge ahead of Him or seek their own glory, but to give Him His.
What an important stewardship of our affection and loyalty!