Joash is a lesser known king with an important lesson for us today. Under the mentorship of the priest Jehoiada, Joash accomplished great things. But after Jehoiada’s death, Joash was quickly led astray. Joash’s life serves as a warning about the limits of spiritual mentorship. While mentorship is good, it cannot replace one’s own personal relationship with God.

2 Chronicles 22:10-12 – When the wicked Queen Athaliah (daughter of Jezebel) massacred children of the royal household, God worked through Princess Jehosheba to save the life of a baby boy named Joash.

2 Chronicles 23:1-15 – Joash was hidden in the Temple for 6 years. Under the leadership of Priest Jehoiada, Athaliah was overthrown and Joash became king.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 – Jehoiada gave Joash the Law of God. God instructed kings to make a copy of the Law, stay humble, and diligently study.

2 Chronicles 23:16-24:14 – Under Jehoiada’s mentorship, Joash repaired the Temple, removed idols, and did building projects.

2 Chronicles 24:15-26 – After Jehoiada died, Joash was led astray and brought back idolatry. When God sent the prophet Zechariah to warn Joash, Joash killed him in the Temple. God removed his hand of protection over Judah, allowing invaders to pillage the land.

Joash failed to study God’s Law for himself, relying instead on a mentor. Joash’s heart for God was motivated by a desire to please another man. He went through the motions of godliness when his mentor was watching.

1 Timothy 4:6-16 – Paul mentored Timothy. Mentorship is good, but cannot replace a personal relationship with God.

Do you go to church out of love for God, or are you going to make somebody else happy?

Do you study the Bible, or take your pastor’s word for it?

Do you have your own prayer life, or do you rely on the mentorship of someone who does?