“Now the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?” (2 Kings 12:19 ESV).
Joash began his reign with great promise. Rescued from death as a child and raised under the godly guidance of the high priest Jehoiada, he restored the temple and led spiritual reforms in Judah. However, after Jehoiada died, Joash listened to ungodly counselors and turned away from the Lord. He abandoned the house of God, tolerated idolatry, and tragically ordered the stoning of Zechariah, Jehoiada’s own son, who had called him to repentance. As judgment, God allowed the Syrians to wound him severely. Then, his own servants conspired against him and assassinated him in his bed. Though he was buried in the city of David, he was denied the honor of being laid in the royal tombs. While 2 Kings offers a brief account of Joash’s reign, 2 Chronicles 24 reveals the tragic spiritual decline that led to his downfall.
We are reminded that it is not enough to start strong in our walk with God—we must finish well. Joash’s life warns us against relying on others for our spiritual vitality. When his mentor died, his faith crumbled, revealing a heart that had not been fully surrendered to the Lord. We must guard against drifting from God once the spiritual support systems around us change. Let us pursue a deep, personal relationship with God that endures through every season. May we remain faithful all our days, so that our lives bring honor to the Lord. As the book of Hebrews tells us “Let us run the race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1-2).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to finish well. Strengthen our hearts to follow You with steadfast devotion, not just when things are easy, but in every season. Forgive us when we drift or become complacent. Help us to seek You daily and to be grounded in Your Word. May our lives reflect lasting faithfulness and bring You glory until our very last breath. In Jesus’ name, amen.