The Influence of Godly Mentorship
"And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him." - 2 Kings 12:2
The verse 2 Kings 12:2 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of godly mentorship: "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him." This scripture encapsulates not just the life of a young king but highlights the profound role that spiritual guidance plays in shaping a person’s character and their choices.
Jehoash, also known as Joash, became king at a mere seven years old after the tumultuous reign and death of his grandmother Athaliah, who had driven the nation of Judah towards idolatry. In this moment of transition, God raised up Jehoiada, a faithful priest, whose influence would be critical in steering Jehoash towards righteousness. The context here is essential—Jehoash rose to leadership in an environment rife with spiritual decay and corruption. However, it was through the directive and nurturing guidance of Jehoiada that he was able to lead the nation back to the ways of the Lord.
The phrase "did that which was right in the sight of the LORD" indicates a life characterized by obedience and moral integrity. This obedience was not a mere outward compliance but a genuine expression of faith fostered by Jehoiada's teachings. Like Jehoash, each of us requires mentors in our lives to guide us toward a deeper understanding of God's ways. Jehoiada was to Jehoash what we should aspire to be for others—an encourager, a teacher, and a model of godliness.
The narrative raises the critical question: Who are the Jehoiada's in our lives today? These are the individuals who have imparted wisdom, those who have taken the time to invest in our spiritual growth. It might be a pastor, a family member, a friend, or even a dedicated small group leader. Their role is to teach us to navigate life’s challenges through the lens of faith. Jehoiada did not merely instruct in the law; he modeled a life of commitment and piety, instilling a culture of worship that Jehoash would embrace.
A profound aspect of Jehoash's reign was that it lasted as long as Jehoiada was alive. This encourages us to remain steadfast and rooted in mentorship, recognizing that our spiritual vitality may often be linked to those who guide us. It is also a reminder of the fragility of our faith when our spiritual leaders or mentors are no longer present. After Jehoiada’s death, the Scriptures lament that Jehoash faltered, illustrating that while leadership development is significant, ongoing accountability and mentorship are crucial.
Additionally, this verse invites us to contemplate our role as mentors. How can we be a Jehoiada in the lives of younger believers? Are we investing in others, fostering an environment where they can learn and grow in righteousness? It speaks to the call of the Church—to be a nurturing community that actively disciples the next generation.
Not only does Jehoash's example inspire us to pursue righteousness in the company of wise mentors, but it also reminds us of our responsibility to articulate what we’ve been taught. As followers of Jesus, we should be ever diligent in ensuring that our lives reflect the teachings of our faith.
As we contemplate Jehoash's legacy, let us commit to being both receptive to guidance and intentional in offering it. May we seek out relationships that strengthen our walk with God and then pass on that wisdom to those who will one day carry the torch. Just as Jehoash was a king after God’s heart during the influence of Jehoiada, let us strive to be conduits of God's righteousness in every relationship we nurture.
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2 Kings 12:2 - "And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him."
"And Jehoash did that which was right in the sight of the LORD all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him." - 2 Kings 12:2
2 Kings 12:19 - "¶ And 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 12:14 - "But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD."
2 Kings 25:12 - "But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen."
2 Kings 12:16 - "The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the LORD: it was the priests'."
2 kings 2:12 in which elisha is kneeling down while receiving brown old cloak
2 Kings 10:12 - "¶ And he arose and departed, and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house in the way,"
2 Kings 14:12 - "And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents."
2 Kings 12:6 - "But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of king Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 12:12 - "And to masons, and hewers of stone, and to buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches of the house of the LORD, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it."
2 Kings 12:8 - "And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people, neither to repair the breaches of the house."
2 Kings 16:12 - "And when the king was come from Damascus, the king saw the altar: and the king approached to the altar, and offered thereon."
2 Kings 13:12 - "And the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that he did, and his might wherewith he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?"
1 Kings 2:12 - "¶ Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly."
2 Kings 12:15 - "Moreover they reckoned not with the men, into whose hand they delivered the money to be bestowed on workmen: for they dealt faithfully."
2 Kings 12:3 - "But the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places."
2 Kings 17:12 - "For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing."
2 Kings 3:12 - "And Jehoshaphat said, The word of the LORD is with him. So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him."
2 Kings 22:12 - "And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying,"
2 Kings 12:20 - "And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla."
2 Kings 12:17 - "¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem."
2 Kings 2:12 - "¶ And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces."
"But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the LORD." - 2 Kings 12:14
2 Kings 2:11-12 (11) ... behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 4:12 - "And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him."
2 Kings 12:1 - "In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba."
"¶ And 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
"But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen." - 2 Kings 25:12
2 Kings 20:12 - "¶ At that time Berodach-baladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present unto Hezekiah: for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick."