Influences of the Preacher

In this sermon we discuss the difference in your life between the godly influences of the preacher and the sinful influences of the men of the world.  2 Chr 24:2 says, “And Joash did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest”.

Before continuing, let’s consider the history of this young king coming to the throne.

When Jehu killed the kings of Judah and Israel, Athaliah arose and destroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah, 2 Chr 22:10.  But the daughter of the king hid the king’s youngest son, Joash, 2 Chr 22:11-12.  Thus, an heir to throne survived her purge.

When Joash was seven, Jehoiada the priest crowned Joash king,  2 Chr 23:11.  And Athaliah was slain by the men guarding the new king, 2 Chr 23:14-15.  Then, Jehoiada set the king upon the throne of the kingdom, 2 Chr 23:20.  Joash benefited from the godly influences of the preacher.

King Joash ordered the priests and Levites to repair the house of the Lord, v.5.  They made a chest to receive the collection for the house, v.8-10.  And masons, carpenters, and workmen repaired the house and made the vessels for the house of God, v.12-14.

Later, Jehoiada died, v.15.  After his death, the princes of Judah made obeisance to the king, v.17.  And things began to change.  Obeisance is acknowledgment of another’s superiority or importance.  Evidently, this puffed the king and then the king hearkened unto the princes.

Instead of continuing to do right in the sight of God, they left the house of God and served groves and idols, v.18.  When they were confronted by the prophets, the king ordered his men to stone Zechariah, Jehoiada’s son, v.19-22.  In addition, he killed more of Jehoiada’s sons, v.25.

God sent Syria to attack Judah, and with an inferior army, Syria destroyed the princes, v.23.  A small company beat a very great host, v.24.  In addition, the servants of the king conspired against Joash, v.25, and slew him on his bed.

The lesson here is plain.  Young people growing up in church under the influences of the preacher tend to do right in the sight of God.  And then later, if they start hearkening to the princes, they are prone to turn from God and even against the preacher.  You need to keep the influences of the preacher in your life.  And you need to turn away from the sinful influences of the men of the world.  They will lead to your destruction.