We continue on the journey by reading 2 Kings 12 today as we strive to grow in wisdom and devotion to God. We will continue to step ahead giving Him our praise, spending time in the study of His Word, sharing with others, and glorifying Him in all that we do.

From our study of the previous passage, we learned that Joash was only seven years old when he took reign of the kingdom, so Jehoiada the priest helped the young king grow in wisdom. There was a
covenant made between the Lord, the new king, and the people (2 Kings 11:17). The people responded by going to the temple of Baal and tearing it down. They smashed the altar and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars (2 Kings 11:18).

Joash did God’s will as long as Jehoiada was his mentor. He carried out the purpose that God had given him and developed a way to collect money for the repairs of the temple of the Lord. However, after Jehoiada died, he turned away from the Lord.  The high places were never removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there (2 Kings 12: 3).

This day with God, let us strive to use our time for making needed repairs to the temple. We are God’s temple and the Spirit in our souls is where God lives so let us use the time we have to grow in wisdom. Use the best part of the day thinking and planning to act on the purpose God has for us. For working together at providing food for the soul and sharing with others about ideas for building up the kingdom.

Lord, we have taken in Your Word to grow in wisdom, and we come to You now to pray. We slow down right now and breathe in, ask that Your grace flows within, and receive instructions for needed repairs
to the temple where Your Spirit lives. We talk to You about things and listen for these instructions on what actions to take to carry out the purpose You have for us. You have much more to offer than the world, so we spend our time devoted to Your Way. We are totally focused today on Your better Way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.