The End Of Joash

The end of Joash

II Kings 12:20-21 NKJV

[20] And his servants arose and formed a conspiracy, and killed Joash in the house of the Millo, which goes down to Silla. [21] For Jozachar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer, his servants, struck him. So he died, and they buried him with his fathers in the City of David. Then Amaziah his son reigned in his place.

In his bestselling book, titled Finishing Strong, Steve Farrar makes a very important statement. " it doesn't matter if you've had a great start in the Christian life, or a rough one. It doesn't matter if you've stumbled time and again, or even fallen flat on your face. What matters most in this all-important race of life is how you finish". Joash didn't read that. According to Farrar, " the man who hangs in there for the long haul with his wife, his kids, and his Lord is an exception these days". That's the kind of man who finishes strong .Joash started well, but he ended up very badly. Long before his murder, the blessings of God had vanished from him.

   Wiseman is of the opinion that, " The murder of Joash by his officials or servants implies that it may have been the result of disaffection following the defeat by Hazael.” knapp says “So disobedience brings its own bitter reward, and what God’s people sow they always, in some way or another, reap. Joash abundantly deserved his inglorious and terrible end.” There's a certain dread in thise words. Lord, may we finish strong! May we not throw in the towel as we near the end.

   This story parallels that of John Alexander Dowie, the Australian born Evangelist in America. " In 1906, Dowie's chief lieutenant, Wilbur G. Voliva, deposed him while Dowie was in Jamaica after suffering a stroke". The case went to court until Dowie died. How committed is your engagement to Jesus. If you start well, will you remain strong? Joash was young when he started. Would he have continued standing if his mentor, Jehoida was still alive? In whatever capacity you find yourself, hold on and finish well. Remember the words of Walter Elliot, "Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other". You can finish strong. Someone says, " Finishing strong is more than just completing a task, it's about the mindset and determination you bring to the end of your journey". I think you will finish strong. Good morning.