While Jehoiada the high priest lived, Joash did what was right for God, and he served God by repairing the Lord’s temple. But after Jehoiada died, Joash listened to other people. He stopped serving God, and the people began worshipping idols again. Sometimes the sacrifices of a servant are big, like devoting one’s life to serving the Lord. And sometimes sacrifices are smaller, like giving up popularity in order to do the right things.
I will listen to what God the Lord says;
he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
but let them not turn to folly.
Second Kings 12 tells about those who served in repairing the temple: carpenters, builders, masons, and stonecutters. And we also find out something about the character of those who served. Why was no accounting of payment required? (Check in verse 15.)
You may not be a carpenter or a mason, but we all have things we can do to help people worship together. Think about how you might serve at your church. Maybe you can help keep the church clean or set up seats, or maybe you can greet people at the door or serve on the worship team. Ask the leaders at your church how you can serve.
Lord, I want to serve You wholeheartedly as Jehoiada and Zechariah did. Keep me from turning away from You when times get hard. Amen.