WHEN GOD’S SERVANT IS ABSENT, THE PEOPLE BACKSLIDED (2 CHRONICLES 24:22-26)

Dear Members in Christ,

When God’s servant is absent, the people backslided (2 Chronicles 24:22-26)

We may know of people who are fervent only because they are led by a zealous leader, a pastor or minister. Such people will look to someone they admire and will be able to serve with zeal as long as their mentor is present. This was what happened towards the end of King Joash’s reign. The lesson for us is, Christians must not be mere followers of man. Joash was a king who only did good when Jehoiada the priest was alive. In 2 Kings 12:2 Joash only did good in the “days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him.” But after Jehoiada died, Joash fell into sin and finally he was punished for his disobedience. The event that set off the downhill slide occurred when son of Jehoiada, Zechariah went to the people with a stern warning by the Word of God.  We read this in the passage from 2 Chronicles 24 that instead of heeding his warning, the obstinate, wicked people killed him.

“And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 24:20-21

This event in the history of God’s people is a lesson for us all. The people backslided quickly once their national mentor is no longer alive to guide them. Remember, our steadfastness in our faith relies upon a close walk with God, not upon guidance by man. A close and personal relationship with God keeps us from straying towards sin and the pleasures of the world.  

A. The people backslided into idolatry soon after the death of Jehoiada

It is the nature of humankind to rely upon a teacher or mentor for guidance. But we note that the people very quickly backslided once priest Jehoiada died. The passage in 2 Chronicles 24:17 tells us that the princes i.e. the rulers of the land came to Joash the King.

“Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them. And they left the house of the LORD God of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.” 2 Chronicles 24:17,18

The Bible tells us that “the king hearkened unto them.” What is it that they had petitioned the king for? The answer is for liberty to transgress against God’s commandments. Commentators note that the princes who made this petition were probably involved in deposing the wicked queen Athaliah. But now, the religious tide has turned. With Jehoiada dead, the zeal and fervour that the princes had exhibited for the Lord God of Israel somehow has made way for tolerance for idols and groves. As we have read earlier, the rulers and people were with Jehoiada when he overthrew wicked queen Athaliah and her idol worship. But now, the princes were the ones who led the path down to filth and apostasy. How is this so?

Brothers and sisters, think it not strange for such is the nature of an unregenerate heart.

Perhaps there was some political advantage for the princes to be rid of Athaliah. Maybe the apostasy planted by Athaliah was too deep seated to be uprooted. Perhaps, they felt an admiration for Jehoiada’s leadership and fervour. Whatever the reason, these princes were not faithful to the true and living God.

B. How quickly they forget God’s grace and goodness

The grace of God is marvellous and unfathomable. Even in their backsliding, God continued to be gracious. The priest Jehoiada had passed away. The religious light, the leader, the spiritual mentor of the nation was no longer present in the body. But God continued to minister to His people. He sent them word of warning, He continued to give them the light of His wisdom by sending them prophets.

“Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.” 2 Chronicles 24:19

These preachers of God’s Word were ignored, the grace of God was shunned. And finally, God called a prophet by the name of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. They killed him as well for we read, “they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 24:21. What a sacrilegious act, slaying the servant of God in the house of the Lord! Surely the judgement of God will come upon them!

Beloved, let us serve God in spirit and in truth. Let us walk in faithfulness to the Lord, in a close relationship with the Lord Jesus. Although God uses human leadership (such as Jehoiada) to strengthen and edify His church, we must not rely upon man alone. The love and fear for God should be our motivation for service. May God help us to walk close to Him. Amen.

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor