“But after the death of Jehoiada the officials of Judah came and bowed down to the king, and the king listened to them.”
2 Chronicles 24:17 NASB
In other words, after Jehoiada died, the officials of Judah convinced Joash to return to idolatry. It’s such a sad story.
This child was a miracle. He was set aside for the particular task of restoration. He was brought up right and mentored by Jehoiada. It seemed as if he was on the right path. What’s revealed, however, is that Joash was not a leader but a follower. He had no faith of his own. It’s a clear picture of “second-hand faith.”
We all know of those who have such a faith. Maybe you’ve been there before. Second-hand really just means anything that is experienced but not owned. People do this all the time today. Some live off their parent’s faith while others just adopt all the cliche phrases of “Christianese.” In the end, what is revealed is a lack of ownership and absolutely no depth.
The sobering reality is that your fruit will be revealed in the end. Even if you fool those around you, there is no fooling the Lord. You and I will be accountable for this life and how we have lived it. In an age where so many of our failures are blamed on others, there will be absolutely no wiggle room when the Lord looks upon us.
This thought alone is enough to regenerate our declining spiritual condition. We must recognize the grace that’s offered each and every day – even when we fail. Don’t waste it.