“In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada the priest decided to act. He summoned his courage and made a pact with five army commanders…Then Jehoiada and his sons brought out Joash, the king’s son, placed the crown on his head, and presented him with a copy of God’s law…Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.”
2 Chronicles 23:1, 11,16 NLT
Assuming she had killed all the royal family, wicked Athaliah ruled, not knowing that infant Joash had been safely hidden for seven years. But THEN, Jehoiada the priest decided to act. And no wonder he had to summon his courage—to act meant staging a coup.
Jehoiada made a pact with five army officers to secretly go throughout the land calling all priests and Levites to Jerusalem. On the day of the coup, Jehoiada ordered Levites to surround young Joash with their weapons, ready to kill anyone who dared enter the Temple. There beside the pillar, young Joash was crowned king with shouting, singing, and great celebration.
The greatest courage was needed, however, when Queen Athaliah appeared shouting, “Treason! Treason!” Jehoiada did not cower in fear. Instead, he ordered the officers to seize her, take the evil queen away from the holy Temple, and slay her at her own palace.
The final act of courage that day was the covenant Jehoiada made with King Joash and the people—TOGETHER, they would be the LORD’s people. So, they destroyed the places of Baal worship and Jehoiada made sure that daily sacrifices and worship in God’s Temple were performed according to His plan.
Evil was replaced with joy and peace—all because one man had courage to act!
My world too needs joy and peace—when will I decide to act?
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