The Jerusalem temple was the symbol of God’s special relationship with his people. When a king expended significant resources on the reparation of the temple it was a sign that God’s rule over his people was being cherished. When the king disregarded God, naturally the temple fell into neglect. Both Jehoram and Ahaziah had other priorities, which included the maintenance of the temple of Baal which Jezebel and her daughter Athaliah (Jehoram’s wife and Ahaziah’s mother) had so cherished. When Joash (who had been mentored by the godly priest Jehoiada) became king the first thing he did was destroy the temple of Baal, repair the temple and re-establish its services. Here is a good indicator we can apply to our lives to measure our spiritual health. There are things that take us away from God and things that lead us to God. The things that take us away from God may not be overtly bad in themselves, but if they take priority over our relationship with God then they are every bit as harmful as the temple of Baal in Judah. The most important thing that keeps us close, accountable and dependent on God is simply time spent seeking, worshipping and praying to God. When this time starts to get crowded out, it is a sure sign that other priorities are taking over. These might be good things like work and family. But remember, if you prioritise time with God, you will be a better person in both those contexts. Put God first and see how much better life works.
Ask God to take a hold of you and draw you closer to him.
Read 2 Kings 11-12 and 2 Chronicles 24
