2 Chronicles 24 - 5.2.25
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 24:2, 8-14 NIV
“Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord all the years of Jehoiada the priest. At the king’s command, a chest was made and placed outside, at the gate of the temple of the Lord. A proclamation was then issued in Judah and Jerusalem that they should bring to the Lord the tax that Moses the servant of God had required of Israel in the wilderness. All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly, dropping them into the chest until it was full. Whenever the chest was brought in by the Levites to the king’s officials and they saw that there was a large amount of money, the royal secretary and the officer of the chief priest would come and empty the chest and carry it back to its place. They did this regularly and collected a great amount of money. The king and Jehoiada gave it to those who carried out the work required for the temple of the Lord. They hired masons and carpenters to restore the Lord’s temple, and also workers in iron and bronze to repair the temple. The men in charge of the work were diligent, and the repairs progressed under them. They rebuilt the temple of God according to its original design and reinforced it. When they had finished, they brought the rest of the money to the king and Jehoiada, and with it were made articles for the Lord’s temple: articles for the service and for the burnt offerings, and also dishes and other objects of gold and silver. As long as Jehoiada lived, burnt offerings were presented continually in the temple of the Lord.”
Observation:
Joash did what was right “all the years of Jehoiada the priest. A godly mentor kept him on track and motivated him to do great things for God.
The first attempt to collect money failed. The priests were going from town to town to collect.
The king took a different approach. He had a chest made and placed outside the temple gate and reissued the proclamation that they should bring to the Lord the contribution, most other versions do not use the word “tax,” that Moses required in the wilderness.
People and officials brought their contributions gladly. The chest was so full it kept having to be emptied.
There was enough to restore the temple to its original design and build articles for service.
What made the difference? I can only stipulate. The first time people were asking for money. The second an easy to access location was set up for them to come on their own accord and give. People responded and gave abundantly when they could do so on their own accord.
Application:
As I read this the abundance of the offerings really stood out to me. When I was praying over what verses to write about I hesitated using this one wondering, “Is this just sticking out to me because like the temple our church’s kids ministry and multipurpose rooms are in dire need of repair? Am I just supposed to pray about it myself?”
Coming back to it again, I felt I should share.
We all have needs in our lives. Truth be told my house needs lots of repair too! Am I trusting Him? Do I ask? Often I decide on my own I don’t have enough without seeking God. God has given us principals to follow.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 NIV
Paul prayed this truth blessing after the Philippians had sacrificially gave to help his needs as he shared the Gospel.
On my second reading that there were the two attempts to collect the money needed also stood out to me. This is a good point for all of us to remember, if our first attempt is not successful try again. Keep obeying and encouraging others to do the same.
Another nugget, when we follow God’s directives to tithe and give generously His kingdom gets built. His house will have all it needs to function for His glory.
Don’t give up. God does not want His house in disrepair.
You are His. He will make sure what we have is what we need in our personal houses.
Joash declared the people should give as God commanded and set up the place for them to give. We need to have faith to ask things that are in accordance with God’s word. Share the rewards obedience brings.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for always providing for our needs. You want us to live in abundance. We are so blessed to have all that we do. Please help us be grateful and to obey your Word. Please provide for the needs of Desert Streams, all the churches, and your people, as we are faithful to You.
Stir up in hearts the faith to obey your command to tithe and give. So, just like what happened with Joash our “temple” meeting place will be restored. We want this because we know lives will be changed and You will be glorified. Amen
- Cindy Howard
