2 Kings 11-13

April 24

2 Kings 11-13

Joash’s father did evil in the eyes of the Lord. His grandmother killed the rest of his family and would have killed him, but his aunt hid him at the temple for six years while his grandmother ruled over Judah. When he was seven years old Jehoiada, the priest presented the boy as king and had  instructed the young king who was seven years old when he began to reign. Instead of following the ways of his father and grandmother, Joash was influenced by a godly man who took time to invest in his life. The bible tells us; "Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years Jehoiada the priest instructed him." (2 Kings 12:2, NIV)

We are told that Joash was a good king and that he was instrumental making needed repairs to the temple. Joash could have easily followed the example of his father and grandmother, but he had a godly mentor who instructed him in the ways of the Lord. Not only was the life of Joash changed, all of Judah was changed. Joash’s son, Amaziah, grandson Azariah, and great grandson Jotham all followed the ways of his father and also did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Jehoiada influenced the world by investing in the life of a boy and young man who became king.

Most of us can look back in our lives and discover those who invested in our lives. Maybe it was our parents, but maybe it was someone in the community who cared. Jesus told his disciples and in effect told us to go and make disciples. He instructed us to mentor others and teach them to live in obedience to Jesus. When we follow those instructions, we may turn a young person’s life around, we may change a community, we may even change the world.

Pray about who God would like you to reach out to and mentor in the ways of God.