Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 24:15-16 (New Living Translation)

15 Jehoiada lived to a very old age, finally dying at 130. 16 He was buried among the kings in the City of David, because he had done so much good in Israel for God and his Temple.

So ends the life of Jehoiada the priest. One of his significant duties was advising young King Joash of Judah. Joash did what was right in the eyes of God as long a Jehoiada advised him. Once Jehoiada was gone, well, things didn’t go so well for Joash and Judah.

Jehoiada did so much good for the people and for God and the Temple. Note, good for mankind in the service of God. This was not either this or that—this was BOTH this AND that. This is not a choice of one over the other. This is a choice to serve God and that service leads to good for others.

A follower of God is a good person, a good citizen, a good neighbor. Followers of God pay their taxes, cut their lawns, coach kids in sports, tutor, sit, heal. The list goes on.

Jehoiada isn’t at the top of any list of the more famous persons in the Bible (Peter, Paul, David, Moses…where is Jehoiada?). He, however, should be. I doubt I will live 130 years. Perhaps someone will say of me that I did “so much good.” It is a worthy goal.