Growing up, like most children, we had rules to follow—rules that provided structure and safety.
I remember thinking, “I can’t wait to move out so I can do whatever I want, whatever I please.”
Many of us probably felt the same way.
Have you seen the Disney movie ‘The Lion King’? The young lion cub, Simba, next in line to be king, he didn’t like the rules set by his parents either and sang the song,
I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.
no one to say, do this
no one saying, be there
no one saying, stop that
no one saying, see here
free to run around all day
free to do it all my way
This is the second half of my study on King Joash
about Joash abandoning the Lord
The first half is titled- Behind the Scenes
2 Kings chapter 11
Joash, at the age of one, was raised by Jehoiada, the high priest after his father was killed.
At age 7, he took the throne
This is a story about King Joash abandoning his faith
Joash thrived under the guidance of the highest priest. Growing up with a Godly mentor,
he was taught to walk with the Lord and follow Godly leadership.
He was doing so well, raised so well and followed God but Joash changed and went completely in the opposite direction
why?
2 Chronicles 24:17-25
This tells us the missing piece to the story.
Joash was around 30 years old when the high priest- his mentor, Jehoiada had died.
Joash reigned 10 more years after his death.
After Jehoiada’s death, Joash’s reign took a negative turn. With his Godly mentor gone, he was easily influenced by corrupt officials, leading to his abandonment of religious changes and reverted to idolatry.
The high priest’s son, Zechariah, warned Joash about the consequences of abandoning God and Joash had him stoned to death instead of listening to God’s warning.
2 Chronicles 24:20
Then the Spirit of God came on 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? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’ “
2 Chronicles 24:21
But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple
2 Chronicles 24:22
King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the Lord see this and call you to account.”
God’s wrath because Joash has forsaken the Lord, The Aramean army invaded Judah and Jerusalem, killing many leaders and leaving Joash severely wounded.
Joash’s own officials, angry that he turned from the Lord and the murder of Zechariah, conspired against him and killed him in his bed.
As for my story,
When my first grandchild was born, due to my daughter having muscular dystrophy, she was unable to fully care for him, so I became the parent to my grandchild. Every Sunday, I took him to church with me and when he was old enough to go to the nursey, I began to notice that he was not tolerating the noise and eventually we had to make the decision to stop going to church.
This was the start of the decline in my spiritual growth. My bible studies ceased, and gradually, my church friends and I drifted apart. I eventually left the Lord behind as I started a new chapter in life.
I put my faith aside, the Lord was now on the back burner in my life
For about 14 years of my life, the Lord my Savior was in the background of my life. I was prioritizing many other things in my life above Him. Leaving the church and drifting away from my close christians friends, my strong foundation was now weak and left me in a vulnerable position and an open door for the enemy. Slowly by slowing, I was backsliding instead of growing.
It was in December 2022, following the passing of my daughter, that I began to renew my faith.
I’ve lost the desire to be like Simba from Disney’s “The Lion King,”
“Free to do things entirely my way”
I realize the need for structure, as we all require structure it in our lives
My faith and journey with the Lord have never been stronger. Every day is a fresh new opportunity to walk with the Lord. With every breath I take, until my last, the Lord my Savior will remain at the forefront of my life. Following God’s path has been more fulfilling than following my own.
In the story of Joash, we see the tragic consequences of abandoning God. But it also serves as a powerful reminder that our faith is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment. Just as Joash stumbled, we too may face challenges, doubts, and distractions. By daily immersing ourselves in prayer, scripture, and fellowship with other believers, we can keep our faith strengthen. Trusting that God’s grace strengthens us even in the darkest moments.
“Heavenly Father,
We come before You with grateful hearts, Grateful for your presence and endless love.
As we journey through life, may Your Word be our anchor and Your Spirit our guide.
Strengthen our faith, Lord,
May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, guiding us in every step we take.
May Your love surround us, lifting our hearts.
As we journey onward, may we find comfort in Your presence
Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may remain steadfast and true to Your teachings.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.“
Join me on my journey paved by God’s guidance – I invite you to join me and find inspiration in the remarkable ways God moves in our lives (echosofmyfootsteps.com)
