Amplified Bible (AMP)
In the seventh year of Jehu, Joash began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother was Zibiah of Beersheba.
Joash did right in the sight of the Lord all his days in which Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
2 Chronicles 24:17-18
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Now after the death of Jehoiada [the priest, who had hidden Joash], the princes of Judah came and made obeisance to King Joash; then the king hearkened to them.
They forsook the house of the Lord, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherim and idols; and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for their sin (guilt).
King Joash did what was right in the sight of God as long as Jehoiada, the priest was alive to guide him. Once Jehoiada died, Joash fell into idolatry.
God was not pleased.
Joash was blessed to have a godly priest encourage him in the ways of the Lord, but it seems apparent that Joash didn't have a personal relationship with the Lord or the death of Jehoiada wouldn't have resulted in Joash falling into idolatry.
As Christians today, we may have men who encourage us in our walk with the Lord, and that is a true blessing. But, what if we don't have an earthly someone to encourage us?
Will we fall away into idolatry just like Joash?
It is imperative that we place our trust in the Lord to guide us through this life. We must build our own relationship with God. Relationships built vicariously won't stand the tests of fire that inevitably will come as we live on this earth. Merely attending weekly services won't empower us to walk through this life.
Personally, I have learned that even the most encouraging, godly man is still just a man and therefore falls short sometimes, just like me. Even though that was a hard lesson to learn, it was a valuable lesson.
Please hear me. I'm not saying to disregard the input of godly men/women in your life. I am saying that we must learn to hear the Lord for ourselves, get our marching orders from Him. Yes, listen for God's voice through men, but learn to hear His voice apart from man as well.
Trials come. Temptations abound. Heartache is as much a part of living as joy, but God's Spirit holds our hearts 24/7, something man is incapable of accomplishing.
Lord, build a relationship between You and me. Allow me to hear You clearly and not fall away if man is unavailable or incapable of encouraging me in my walk with You. Give me ears to hear and eyes to see. All the days of my life, I give to You. Empower me. In Jesus' name. AMEN!
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