2 CHRONICLES 24:15-22
When told of his grandmother Athaliah’s wicked crimes, Joash must have been perplexed and terrified. She had killed his brothers in order to grab Judah’s throne. Joash, meanwhile, had spent the previous six years in the safe confines of his aunt and uncle. He benefited from his caregivers’ love and guidance as he developed. When Joash was only Seven years old, his grandmother was deposed as he was crowned king.
Uncle Jehoiada, the young King Joash’s wise advisor, stood by his side. One of Judah’s few “good kings,” Joash obediently served the Lord by doing the right thing while his uncle was still living. But he lost his course and had a tragic end to his life once his uncle was no longer available to guide and teach by example (2 Chronicles 24:15-25). It appears that the foundation of his beliefs was not particularly solid. He even started to serve idols. Joash’s “faith” may have been more influenced by his uncle than by himself.
Others can instruct us in the fundamentals of their faith, but it is up to each of us to develop a steadfast, individual trust in Christ. Faith must become our own for it to be authentic. God will aid us in walking with Him and become firmly rooted in the faith (Colossians 2:6-7).
The faith that endures to the end shows that it was sincere from the beginning.
🙏 🎶
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
— Fanny Crosby
