“Jehoiada took courage and… all the assembly made a covenant with the king in the house of God. Jehoiada said to them, ‘Behold, the king’s son! Let him reign, as the Lord spoke concerning the sons of David… Of you priests and Levites.., one third shall be gatekeepers, one third shall be at the king’s house and one third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courts of the house of the Lord. Let no one enter the house of the Lord except the priests and ministering Levites… The Levites shall surround the king, each with his weapons in his hand. And whoever enters the house shall be put to death. Be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.’
“The Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada commanded… They brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and… proclaimed him king, and Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, ‘Long live the king…’
“And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the Lord’s people. [They] went to the house of Baal and tore it down; his altars and images they broke in pieces… [He] posted watchmen for the house of the Lord under the direction of the priests… He stationed the gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the Lord so that no one should enter who was unclean… So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death.” 2 Chronicles 23:1,3-8,11,16-19,21
Athalia was one vicious woman, cruel and power-hungry, driven to wickedness. After one son’s death, she murdered the others so she could take control of Judah. The people feared her.
In contrast, Jehoiada the priest was a faithful, committed man of God who, with his wife and under these threatening conditions, bravely perpetuated His plan. He hid the former king’s son Josiah from Athalia’s massacre and raised him to know and honor God, then waited on the Lord’s timing to make the right moves. His devotion to the Lord and His commands drove his priorities to set order and protection in God’s house, deeply impressing young Josiah and securing support and favor from the people. Implementing his strategy step by step, he successfully overthrew Athalia and established God as the One to be feared. (2 Chronicles 22:10-12)
Such thoughtfulness and courage hold significant sway in those whose consciences are keen and in whom God is moving. He often orchestrates circumstances that require great risks of faith and brazen maturity so He can prove His power in and through His people. Those who faithfully serve His purposes not only join the flow of His will, but are used by God to influence and encourage those watching.
In what areas and with whom might we be influential for good and godliness? Into what conversations or relationships might we thoughtfully portray godly order, uprightness, or truth? Where is God calling us to set aside fear and chip away at immorality, elevate conversation, add beauty? As we’ve benefited from influence, may we generously invest in others to promote growth and make Christ known.
Lord, align my impulses and priorities with Your perfect will, and sanctify any influence I have to magnify You and spur others on for Your sake and glory. (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 10:24)
As the rain and snow 