Get In The Word!

Joash’s officers plotted against him and assassinated him at Beth-millo on the road to Silla. The assassins were Jozacar son of Shimeath and Jehozabad son of Shomer—both trusted advisers. Joash was buried with his ancestors in the City of David. Then his son Amaziah became the next king. [2 Kings 12.20-21] 

Were these trusted advisors to Joash some of the leaders of Judah mentioned in 2 Chronicles?

But after Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice. [2 Chronicles 25.17]

These advisors' advice was to worship idols and kill Jehoiada's son who decried it. But let's back up further in Joash's life:

All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him. [2 Kings 12.2] 

We should be very cautious as we consider Joash's story. Joash did good and Joash did bad. Everything Joash did was apparently because of who he listened to at the time. It would seem Joash made few critical decisions on his own, but rather, depended on those around him.

This revelation should inspire us to have a relationship with God for ourselves. While our "trusted advisors" may indeed steer us right, they may also steer us wrong! If we do not have a relationship with God for ourselves, we remain vulnerable.

Joash had the Law of the LORD to guide him, but it is evident in the end of his life that he trusted his advisors more than God. Ironically, is was a couple of these close people that assassinated him!

We have God's Word to guide us. And, what's more, we have Jesus as God's Living Word not only to guide us in Word but in deed. Jesus told us and showed us how to live.

Having Jesus does not mean we cannot receive advice from others, but every word from another human being should stand the test of comparison to God's written and Living Word. But, here's the caveat: if we do not know God's written and Living Word, we are no better off than Joash. We need to get in the Word!

Father, for all the years I have read Your Word and written responses like this one, may the outcome be obvious relationship with You. I don't want to rely on the fact that "I" have done this, but instead, understand that this daily exposure to You - to Christ Jesus - has allowed me to be influenced by You - by Jesus Christ Whom the entire written Word is about. May every decision I make be controlled by this relationship with You. So be it.