Having Godly priorities
The author wrote a succession narrative about the kings of Israel and Judah. He described how the priests led by Jehoiada declared Joash king over Judah and killed the defacto queen Athaliah. After executing Athaliah, Jehoiada made a covenant with the Lord to serve Him alone. They destroyed the temple of Baal. Only after restoring their relationship with the Lord, he made Joash take the throne.
Jehoiada knew his priority was God. He knew restoration of Judah's relationship with God was more important that seating a new king. He did whatever was necessary (gather military support, execute the apostate queen, and seat a new king) to ensure that Yahweh was worshiped by His people again. That took great courage because he could have been betrayed and killed. As long as Jehoiada was alive and served as Joash's advisor, Joash pleased God.
We need to have correct priorities in our lives too. God must always be first no matter what the cost. Sometimes, God begins to slip from the #1 position in our lives. We can easily make excuses why we can't spend time with Him or serve Him. He will always make time in our schedule for Him we we earnestly ask and seek Him. After all that He has done for us, how can we not?
Created 11 months ago
