This is an interesting chapter that chronicles the works of a courageous priest instead of a king like in other chapters. The name of the priest is Jehoida and he served under king Joash of Judah who was installed at seven years old (2 Chr 24:1). Jehoida was a good and godly priest. Athaliah was a wicked queen who influenced her son, Ahaziah, when he was king over Judah to pursue Baal worship and all kinds of idolatrous practices. After Ahaziah died, Athaliah ruled over Judah as queen instead. Her appointment was queen was unpopular and did not win the hearts of the people in Judah.

It was in this spiritual pathetic state of Judah that God kept the heart of Jehoida to honor Him in a kingdom that was straying from Him. Verse 1 tells us that he took courage and planned his daring moves in order to install Joash as the rightful king over Judah. First, he convinced the army commanders and rallied all the military strength. Then he gathered all the Levites and heads of households at Jerusalem to officially install the rightful king. He was meticulous in observing the instructions that only the Levites could enter the temple during the installation and also provided the captains of the army with the spears and shields of David that were kept in the house of God.

When the moment came for the people to install Joash as the new king, there were cheers and praises that the queen heard about it. But she was too late even though she claimed that it was a treason against her. And once again, Jehoiada was careful to instruct the guards to execute her outside the temple.

Once Joash became the king over Judah, it is encouraging to read the godly influence of Jehoiada in v16 over the king and the people that they wanted to follow Yahweh wholeheartedly. As a result, there was a nation-wide reform to purge all Baal worship – including destroying its altars and killing its prophets. Moreover, Jehoiada used his influence to restore the worship of God in the temple according to His ways through the Levites.

This is a wonderful story of a man who fears God and depends on Him to be courageous to do all that is pleasing to Him. We also remember when Joshua succeeded Moses in the threshold of entering the promised land with the new generation of the Israelites, God empowered him with the words in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

My brothers and sisters, take a moment to examine and evaluate the various situations in your life - whether it is in the school, office, home or church? Do you think that there is anything that is happening in this place which is not pleasing to God? Do you feel that God is prompting you to do something about it? Let us be like Jehoiada or Joshua to be strong and of good courage.

PRAYER : Dear God, I am facing this situation in my life (please specify and pray to God about the details), give me the courage and wisdom to do what is in my capacity to do that which is pleasing to you. Please grant me your favor as I act upon it in faith. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.