Potholes on Easy Street
17. After Jehoiada’s death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice.
18. They decided to abandon the Temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and they worshiped Asherah poles and idols instead! Because of this sin, divine anger fell on Judah and Jerusalem.
19. Yet the Lord sent prophets to bring them back to him. The prophets warned them, but still the people would not listen.
20. Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!”
21. Then the leaders plotted to kill Zechariah, and King Joash ordered that they stone him to death. 2 Chronicles 24:17-21
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Some people believe that the reason people do bad things is because they don’t have enough material goods. Give them what they need and they will be good people. This theory breaks down, though, when those who have everything do horrible things.
This passage tells the stories of Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Joash—a succession of kings and a queen. To call this family dysfunctional would be a gross understatement. All except Joash consistently did evil and even he had a lapse in his later years. Was their problem a lack of material prosperity? Did they go wrong because they just didn’t have enough stuff? Far from it. Wealth doesn’t do the trick. As you read, look for the lesson about prosperity.
You also will find these lessons: the trouble with marrying someone who hates God; testing the advice you receive; and a time for executions.
Under Joash’s rule, the Israelites repaired the Temple and the nation prospered. But right after the death of his uncle (the priest Jehoiada), the nation again descended into the worship of false gods. Everything was going well in Judah, so why did they turn away from God (2 Chronicles 24:18)?
Having money may bring us some comforts, but it doesn’t feed our spiritual needs. Wealth doesn’t make us better people or insulate us from sin. Whatever our status, we must make decisions about whom to serve and worship every day. Serving God is something we must consciously choose.
Don’t let good circumstances lure you into false security. If your bankroll is always tight, don’t think that having more will enhance your love for God. Be content with what you have, remembering that God owns all. He alone deserves our ultimate allegiance (see Deuteronomy 6:10-12; 8:11-14).
