Poor Joash. His dad was an evil king and died when Joash was one. His grandma, herself a special kind of crazy-evil, decided to start killing off her children and grandchildren so that she could be the queen. Fortunately, Joash’s aunt came to the rescue and hid Joash in the temple for six years.
When Joash was seven, Jehoiada, the priest who had helped hide him, said it was time for Joash to be king. He told the guards, “Surround the king. Each man should have his weapons in his hand. Kill anyone who tries to break through your ranks. Stay with the king wherever he goes” (2 Kings 11:8).
Very few second graders need bodyguards—and if they do, it’s not because their grandmas want to kill them. Very few second graders are wise enough to rule a country. So Joash needed some adult help. The Bible tells us, “Joash did what the Lord considered right, as long as the priest Jehoiada instructed him” (2 Kings 12:2).
You are young too. That’s why God gives you adults to help you through this life. He puts people in your life to give you instruction and help you learn what he has done for you. Maybe, though, like Joash, some adults in your life don’t follow what God says. God will take care of that. He loves you and will put other adults in your life to help you learn about him.
Joash—who accepted instruction—was God’s child, just like you are.
Chomp on this!
Read the whole story in 2 Kings chapters 11 and 12.
