II Kings 11-12

“And Jehoiada made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people …” (11:17).  In a time of rampant wickedness, Jehoiada the priest was determined to help Judah renew its obedience to the Lord.  With the help of brave Jehosheba, who rescued her royal nephew, the priest put the young Joash/Jehoash on the throne. The new king, instructed by Jehoiada in God’s ways (12:2), showed his attention to the covenant by collecting money to repair God’s Temple (12:5).

 “That they should be the Lord’s people” (11:17).  Judah’s identity as “the Lord’s people” was hollow until it was expressed concretely.  How we speak, act, worship, and spend our money demonstrates our heart’s first love.