Follow the leader
Day 278, Friday, May 16
2 Chronicles Chapters 24 -25
King Joash is an unfortunate example of what happens when a person is a follower who only looks like a leader.
When Joash became king at the age of 7, it is no surprise that he led under the influence of others, particularly of the priest Jehoiada.
In spite of being king, though, it looks like he never grew out of following the lead of others. This was good for the kingdom as long as Jehoiada lived, but not after his death when Joash fell under less righteous influences.
As it turns out, having a strong adviser can be a mixed blessing. In some cases, it means that the follower learns as a true disciple learns. He or she incorporates the knowledge and wisdom of the teacher into self, becoming wise and learned.
It can work another way, though, and lead to mental laziness that develops into a pattern of counting on others to do one’s thinking. That seems to have been what happened to Joash.

Friday meditation

Proverbs 28:1
The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion

Prayer focus
God, when you call us to mentor others, let us teach them to be wise, not obedient.

-Rev. Mark Fleming