The Benefit of Hindsight预览

Restoration Projects

Restoration projects can be a lot of work.

They are often bigger than they first appear, take more time and money than budgeted, and sometimes outstrip our abilities. They may be worthwhile endeavors, and the end product is often satisfying, but there’s no getting around it: restoration is a tall order.

In 2 Chronicles 24, we read of Joash.

Joash presents an interesting story within the history of the kings of Judah. Taking the throne at a very young age, we are almost immediately told of his desire to restore the Temple—though the text is clear that this was “some time” after he took the throne.

In the scheme of Chronicles and the history of Israel, this is a significant moment.

The Temple needed repair and restoration. It had been neglected and abandoned. This was symbolic of Israel’s relationship with God. Just as they had neglected and ignored God, they had neglected and ignored His Temple.

However, Joash saw a need and decided to do something about it. There is a lesson in this simple verse, men. Not only do we need to look around us and see the world and our lives for what they are—we need to be ready to act.

As the Parable of the Good Samaritan shows us (Luke 10:25-37), it is entirely possible to see a need and choose to do nothing about it. On the contrary, Joash saw the state of the Temple, realized the need, and took action.

He is, in this scenario, a role model for us to follow.

But sadly, that’s not the end of his story.

In verse 2, we read that Joash “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” Unfortunately, in verses 17 and following, we find that Joash did not stay true to the Lord. He was enticed by power and prestige and led astray from doing what was right, paying a severe price for his actions.

How many times have we mimicked the path of Joash? Committed and focused during one season of life and then perhaps lured away in the next?

Joash shows us that our trajectory is never set in stone. We must be mindful of where our hearts and affections are drawn.

Joash is a paradigm and warning for Israel and for all men. Faithful one moment and faithless the next.

Yet God was still working and present (v. 24).

Prayer: God, thank You for always being faithful even when I am not. I confess that I am sometimes inconsistent in my commitment to You. Help me choose to be a faithful man. Amen.

Reflection: Where are you in your faithfulness to God right now? What in your life is thriving, and what might need some “restoration”?