Friends, today we dive into the story of three generations, an evil queen, two heroes, and a boy king from 2 Chronicles 21. If you’ve been following our series, I hope you're telling your friends how rich these stories from the Chronicles of Judah are—filled with life lessons and deep history that are still relevant today. Today’s message might just be the most intense yet.

We left off last time with King Jehoshaphat, a good man and king who did great things for Judah, but who made a critical compromise by connecting his family to Ahab, the corrupt king of Israel. And that compromise? Well, it set off a chain of events that unraveled the next generation.

The Fall of Jehoram: A Tragic Tale

Jehoshaphat’s son, Jehoram, takes the throne and immediately starts to destroy everything good his father built. He kills his own brothers and marries Athaliah, Ahab’s daughter—a Baal worshipper. Under her influence, Jehoram leads Judah astray, building altars to false gods. He dies an agonizing death from a bowel disease, and the people of Judah are so fed up with him that they don't even mourn his passing.

This is a sobering reminder that even the best parents and grandparents can see their legacy crumble in the next generation. We ask ourselves, “How did Jehoshaphat, a man of faith and wisdom, produce such a son?” The answer often lies in what we invest—or fail to invest—in our kids.

The Role of Jehoiada: A Spiritual Father and Protector

Now, while Jehoram and his son Ahaziah led Judah down a path of destruction, the story takes a turn for the better when we are introduced to a man named Jehoiada. He wasn’t a king, but he played one of the most pivotal roles in preserving the line of David and restoring Judah to worshiping God.

Jehoiada was a priest, but more than that, he was a man of immense faith, wisdom, and courage. He was married to Jehosheba, the aunt of young Joash, the only surviving descendant of King Ahaziah. Together, this godly couple hid Joash from his grandmother Athaliah, who was determined to wipe out the royal family. For six years, Jehoiada and Jehosheba protected the boy within the temple, while Athaliah reigned as queen—a time when the throne of David was nearly lost.

But Jehoiada wasn’t just hiding Joash. During those years, he was raising and discipling him, preparing him to one day be king. He didn’t just protect Joash physically—he shaped his spiritual life, teaching him the ways of the Lord and how to be a king who honors God. Imagine that kind of investment! For six years, Jehoiada didn’t just babysit; he laid a foundation of faith in Joash’s heart.

When Joash turned seven, Jehoiada, trusting God’s timing, showed his strength. He carefully organized a coup, gathering the military leaders, Levites, and people of Judah. Together, they overthrew Athaliah, and Joash was crowned king, all while still a child.

Jehoiada wasn’t just instrumental in putting Joash on the throne. He continued to guide him for years, ensuring that Judah returned to the proper worship of God. Under Jehoiada’s mentorship, Joash restored the temple, tore down altars to Baal, and led the people in righteous worship. Judah experienced a time of peace and flourishing because of Jehoiada’s faithfulness and leadership.

Jehoiada’s Legacy

What’s remarkable is that Jehoiada wasn’t a king, yet he was buried with the kings. This was an incredible honor for a priest, one that was only given to him because of the immense impact he had on Judah. He wasn’t born into royalty, but his influence on the kingdom was so profound that when he died, he was remembered and honored alongside Judah’s greatest rulers. Contrast that with Jehoram, who wasn’t even mourned or buried in the royal tombs.

But perhaps the most tragic part of the story is what happened after Jehoiada’s death. Joash, who had flourished under Jehoiada’s guidance, began to falter. Without the wise priest to guide him, Joash fell back into idol worship and even ordered the death of Jehoiada’s own son, Zechariah. This drastic turn shows us just how much of an anchor Jehoiada had been in Joash’s life.

Jehoiada’s life and influence remind us that you don’t have to be a king or have a title to make a massive impact. Sometimes, the people behind the scenes—those who invest in others spiritually, who mentor, who disciple—can shape the future in ways far more profound than we realize.

The Importance of Parenting and Grandparenting

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or spiritual mentor, your investment in the next generation matters. Like Jehoiada, we can influence the course of someone’s life by the way we invest our time, our prayers, and our wisdom in them.

Parents, maybe your biggest contribution to this world won’t be what you do, but who you raise. What kind of attachment, godliness, and formation are you nurturing in your home?

Here are a few things we’ve found helpful in raising kids who follow Jesus:

1. Two Goals: Above all else, we’ve aimed for our kids to love Jesus and make good choices.

2. Not Devotions, but a Lifestyle: Following Deuteronomy 6, we’ve built faith into the rhythms of everyday life—whether it’s during car rides, bedtime reading, or conversations around the dinner table.

3. Say Yes to Spiritual Formation: Encourage your kids to be involved in church, small groups, and ministries.

4. Protect Time for Spiritual Moments: Don’t schedule your lives in a way that competes with time for spiritual growth.

5. Live the Example You Want for Them: Be the person you want your kids to become. Model generosity, kindness, and a heart for others.

Grandparenting: A Legacy of Faith

And let’s not forget the role of grandparents. Your influence is huge, especially in a world where so many parents are overworked and overwhelmed. Like Jehoiada, grandparents can provide spiritual wisdom, stability, and prayerful support.

Here are five ways grandparents can make an impact:

1. Engage Regularly: Whether in person or on Zoom, stay connected.

2. Be Delighted to See Them: Every child needs someone who is thrilled to see them every time.

3. Pray with Them: Show them that faith is not just something their parents do but is woven into the family legacy.

4. Take Them to Church or Camp: Invest in their spiritual lives by bringing them to church, camp, or even a science and faith conference.

5. Give Relief to Their Parents: Sometimes the best thing you can do is give mom and dad a break.

The Heroes of the Story: Jehoiada and Jehosheba

The story of Joash wouldn’t exist without Jehoiada and his wife, Jehosheba. They weren’t the ones on the throne, but they were the ones who shaped the course of Judah and preserved the line of David. Their legacy is one of courage, faithfulness, and spiritual investment.

What does that mean for us? It means that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to make an impact. Your investment in the next generation—whether it’s through parenting, grandparenting, mentoring, or simply praying for kids—can change lives and even shape history.

Practical Steps and Questions to Consider:

1. Parents: What intentional steps can you take this week to nurture your child’s faith? How can you integrate spiritual conversations into your daily routines?

2. Grandparents: What can you do to invest more deeply in your grandkids’ lives? Are you praying for them regularly, showing them what faith looks like in action?

3. Mentors: Who in the next generation can you invest in? Could you mentor a child, volunteer with the youth, or simply pray for young families in our church?

4. For Everyone: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What are you doing now to ensure your influence carries on through the next generation?

Let’s be intentional with the legacy we leave. Like Jehoiada, your investment in others may be the most significant impact you have in this life.