“Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba.” 2 Chronicles 24:1
Joash had a very unusual life. His grandmother had ordered the murder of all his brothers and him so she could wipe out the royal line and rule the kingdom herself.
She almost succeeded.
Joash’s aunt saved him and his nurse and took him to be raised in secret.
The man who raised Joash, and organized it so that he was placed in his proper position as king at seven years of age, was a man named Jehoiada.
Reading through the account of Joash’s life it becomes clear that he did very well as king the entire time Jehoiada was a live and guiding him.
While Joash had a good mentor/father he did well, made wise choices, and seemed to be the king he was meant to be.
Unfortunately things changed after Jehoiada’s death.
Joash did not finish well and it seems to point to the fact that he lacked the advice and wisdom of Jehoiada.
The place of father/mentor is extremely important.
A daddy can make such an impact for good or bad in their children.
A mentor can bless and encourage even if the “child” is an adult.
My own father died when I was 22.
Since then I have been blessed by different older gentlemen who have poured into my life in one way or another.
I never tire of hearing my father-in-law refer to me by my childhood nickname.
The advice I have gleaned from the perspective of 70 years of life have helped me to see past the present.
A friendly, “How are you doing?” or “I and my wife are praying for you.” can make the difference in my stress level.
But I know it is much more than how I have been blessed.
I have watched the impact my husband has on our four children.
The way he has taken other boys in and loved them by fishing and hunting trips.
Even now there is a young man that has stated more than once,
“When Jered dies, I have to speak at his funeral. I don’t want it to happen for a really long time but I don’t want you to forget, I need to be there.”
And I know the real impact is in the little things which seem to mean nothing at the time.
It is so special to see our son and another little boy (who has been on many fishing trips) atop my hubby as they watch a movie in the recliner.
There is just something so valuable about a good father/mentor.
And I am very aware that they are few.
Many a prayer has been said for those in our lives or we have heard of that have no such blessing.
But I am hopeful for those who have no mentor/father.
For when I have been in want of such the Lord has always been that voice of guidance through His word, the comfort of knowing He is strong and mighty, and the peace of remembering there are still men who walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
patientlyhopeful 