A Heart That Turns Away
Joash's story begins with promise. As a child king, he is guided by the wise and godly priest Jehoiada, and for years, his reign is marked by righteousness. He leads a revival of temple worship, reestablishes the tax prescribed in the Law of Moses, and sees to the restoration of the temple itself. Yet, his devotion does not endure. When Jehoiada dies, Joash drifts from God, surrounds himself with corrupt officials, and eventually turns against the very people who once upheld him in righteousness.
The turning point is chilling. Joash, who had once been the beneficiary of godly counsel, rejects it outright when it comes through Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. Zechariah warns him of the consequences of forsaking the Lord, but instead of heeding the rebuke, Joash orders his execution. The man who once worked to restore God's temple now allows murder within its courtyard. The betrayal is complete—Joash not only turns from God, but he also repays faithfulness with violence.
But the Lord is never mocked. The judgment against Joash unfolds with striking symmetry. Just as he abandoned God, he is abandoned by his allies in battle. Just as he conspired against Zechariah, his own servants conspire against him. He is left wounded, dishonored, and ultimately assassinated. His downfall is not merely a historical account—it is a sobering reflection of what happens when a person, once walking in truth, drifts into self-will and rebellion.
Jesus Himself referenced Zechariah’s martyrdom, noting how God holds to account all the righteous blood spilled from Abel to Zechariah (Matt. 23:35–36). But the good news is that, while Zechariah’s blood called for justice, Christ’s blood speaks a better word (Heb. 12:24). The blood of Jesus does not cry out for condemnation but for salvation. His sacrifice offers grace where there was once judgment, covering not only our past but securing our eternal standing in Him.
Application
Joash's story warns us of the dangers of relying on external influences rather than true dependence on God. As long as Jehoiada lived, Joash appeared righteous—but when his guide was gone, his heart was exposed. Faith must be anchored in a living relationship with God, not in people or circumstances. The moment we allow our dependence to shift onto anything other than Christ, we are vulnerable to drifting.
This passage invites us to examine our own hearts: Are we truly resting in Christ as our life, or are we simply conforming to expectations? Are we walking in intimate fellowship with Him, or have we slowly allowed other voices to direct our steps? The life that abides in Christ is not a life of fluctuating devotion—it is a life sustained by the One who never changes.
A Closing Thought
The tragedy of Joash is not just his failure—it is that he never repented. But in Christ, we are never left in our failure. His grace draws us back, His Spirit leads us forward, and His life within sustains us.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, we thank You that in Christ, we are not left to wander. You have given us Your Spirit, who leads us in truth and keeps us from drifting when we yield to Him. We rest in the security of Your unchanging love, knowing that we are not sustained by circumstances or human influence but by Your indwelling life. May our hearts remain steadfast, trusting in all that You have already provided in Jesus. Amen.
Credit: Insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible.