Joash’s Evil

Synopsis     2Chron 24:15-25     4/21/2020 

Jehoida was the High Priest in Jerusalem. Amongst his many accomplishments, he saved King Joash from assassination as an infant child. And he raised the boy who was destined to become king. And afterward, he became the king’s most trusted advisor.  

However, like all men, Jehoida grew old and died. Of course, his death was mourned by both the king and the people. And he was buried with great honor. 

But after a short time, King Joash began taking counsel from princes of Judah. And they led him into idol worship.  

Now Jehoida had a son who replaced him as High Priest. His name was Zechariah. And Zechariah confronted King Joash about the growing problem of idol worship. But Joash was offended by Zechariah. And so, Joash had him stoned to death.  

The next year, the Arameans invaded the southern kingdom with a small force. However, despite the smallness of their forces, they defeated Joash’s army. And they plundered Jerusalem.  

Although badly injured, Joash survived the conflict. Tragically, while he was recuperating in Jerusalem, two of his servants murdered him. 

Joash Returned Good With Evil 

After Jehoida died, Zechariah  became the High Priest. He was Jehoida’s son. Together, Jehoida and Zechariah had risked their lives to save Joash when he was a helpless infant.  

Yet, after Jehoida’s death, King Joash ordered Zechariah stoned to death. 

Returning Good With Evil 

Returning good to those who’ve done good to me is obvious. Jesus pointed out that even non-believers do this much. It’s a fair exchange.

So, what could cause me to want to do evil to someone who has done good to me? 

I suppose the short answer is: spite and envy. Envy is the emotion I conjur when I believe that some other person has more than they rightly should. And spite is the destructive emotion that drives me to want to deprive someone of some legitimate possession.  

These emotions show up when I overfocus on my own personal desires. I’m especially vulnerable when I compare my present circumstances with those of others. Interestly, both these emotions form out of the belief in scarcity. They come from my believing that the world only has so much good to offer. And the belief that I’m not getting my fair share compounds these already negative emotions.  

Of course, the truth is free-setting. First, God has filled the universe with goodness. There is more than enough. And second, He has committed to give me all that’s needful for life and Godliness.  

So, if you need something, then just ask. If you intend to serve Him, then He won’t withhold any needful, good thing.  

“If you return evil for good, evil will not depart from your house.” Prov 17:13