Then the leaders plotted to kill Zechariah, and King Joash ordered that they stone him to death in the courtyard of the LORD’s Temple. That was how King Joash repaid Jehoiada for his loyalty—by killing his son. Zechariah’s last words as he died were, “May the LORD see what they are doing and avenge my death!”

2 Chronicles 24:21-22

All his life Joash did what was pleasing in the LORD’s sight because Jehoiada the priest instructed him.
2 Kings 12:2

• Have you ever known someone who started strong in their faith but didn’t finish well? 
• Joash is a king who began with great promise under godly guidance but ended tragically. 
• Joash’s life began in crisis. 
• Joash is hidden from his grandmother, Queen Athaliah, as she kills the royal family in order to seize power. 
• Joash is crowned king at the age of seven. 
• Joash is mentored by the godly priest Jehoiada. 
• Joash did what was right in the eyes of the Lord …all the years he was instructed by Jehoiada. 
• Joash initiated temple repairs, prioritized worship and God’s house. 
• Joash shows how godly mentorship and leadership can guide young believers. 
• There is also a warning.
• Jehoiada dies. 
• Joash listens to bad advisors and turns to idol worship. 
• Joash rejects correction. 
• Joash’s faith was not his own. 
• Joash’s faith was propped up by Jehoiada. 
• When his support was gone, so was his faithfulness. 
• Depend on God, not just people. 
• Accountability matters, Joash thrived with it and faltered without it. 
• It’s not just how we begin the Christian life, it’s how we finish. 
• Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
  Hebrews 12:1-2

Build a faith that endures. Remain faithful to the end. Finish well.