SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: February, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway from Joni Stepp: 

“And King Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” - 2 Chronicles 24:2

Joash did what was right as long as his mentor and advisor, Jehoiada the priest, was living; then what happened?

Jehoiada died and King Joash started listening to the princes of Judah, men likely his peers  rather than an older priest like Jehoiada. Listening to these men, who were not godly, Joash abandoned the house of the Lord and began serving idols.

Joash knew what was right from a young age.  He had a mentor who led him in what was right before the Lord. Sadly, when Joash heard something new, he abandoned the truth on which he had previously established his kingdom. 

What does this tell us?

Joash likely did not have faith of his own; he had faith he borrowed from his mentor. I believe in the value of trusted mentors, both to have one and to be one, but no one else’s walk with the Lord can be yours. You must have your own relationship with God.

We see why this is important in the case of King Joash. When push came to shove and something more appealing came along, he cast aside what he’d always been taught, because clearly, his faith wasn't his own. 

What warning is this for us?

1. Who are you listening to? Are they voices that align with God and with His Holy Word?
2. Are you easily swayed from what you believe? Do you know to your core what is the truth of God’s Word? 

We are in this Bible reading plan to read the entirety of scripture. Prayerfully, this reading of scripture daily will slowly ingrain these words on our minds and hearts so that we will KNOW God and His Word for ourselves.  Additionally, we will know when false truth is presented so we will not be easily swayed like Joash.

I can’t imagine a more pressing time than right now, with so many ideas and beliefs being thrown at us constantly, to know that we stand firm on what we know to be true in scripture, not just what we’ve heard someone else teach or say. 

The plumb line for anything we hear, read, or see is the Word of God, so let us be women of the Word!

Lord, we praise You that we have access to this sacred text, that Your Word is still alive and active, still dividing in us truth from lies, still teaching us what is right when the world offers so many skewed versions of the truth. We ask that You make us women of Your Word, give us hunger and desire to know You in It. Give us discernment and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. We need You. Amen