THE HOUSE PAYMENT

Then all the leaders and all the people rejoiced, brought their contributions, and put them into the chest until all had given.  (2 Chronicles 24:10)

Some wonderful things happen at our house.  But there is a price—time, effort, and money are required. There are wonderful things that happen in the house of God at the house of God, but there is a house payment to make. We see this illustrated in 2 Chronicles 24.

We note THE PERSON JEHOVAH USED (v.1-3).  Joash was a young man thrust into a tremendous responsibility. The youth had a godly mentor in Jehoiada the priest.  He gave direction and support to the king. Joash owed his very life to the priest.  Joash had a grandmother named Athaliah.  When Her son, King Ahaziah died, this wicked woman greedily grabbed for power.  She had all the royal heirs put to death.  Imagine a woman so maniacal that she would kill her own grandchildren, so she could be queen!  But, the priest, Jehoiada, and his wife, rescued baby Joash and hid him six years. Chapter 23 tells how Athaliah was overthrown and Joash brought to the throne.  God had a plan for Joash.  God has a plan for you.  You’re not here by accident, but appointment.  God uses people. If your church moves forward in faith, it will be because you respond in obedience.  One person can make a great difference.

Next, we see THE PROBLEM JOASH UNCOVERED (v.4).  Athaliah was the daughter of Jezebel. During the reigns of Athaliah and her son Ahaziah, the pagan pollution of Jezebel permeated the land. As a result, the worship of God declined and the house of God deteriorated. Now Joash is moved to repair the house of God.  Our support of the ministries of our church indicates a lot about our heart. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”  Many want to enjoy the blessings of the house of God without contributing to its support.  You are experiencing all the wonderful ministries that at the church.  Now the house payment has to be made!

Here was THE PLAN JUDAH UTILIZED (v.5-14).  The people of God were challenged by their spiritual leaders (v.5a).  Some people don’t want the preacher mentioning money.  They say they are tired of hearing about money.  I’m sorry, but it’s my responsibility to tell you. They were to challenge all the people to contribute something—from the poorest to the richest, the youngest to the oldest—everyone was to come together and have a part (v.5b).  Every member can and should do something.  There was an urgency (v.5c,6).  It is instructive that the temple was called “the tabernacle of witness” (v.6).  We can witness to the depth of our commitment to the Lord to our children, grandchildren, and generations to come.  We can testify to a dying world that we have a living church.  Sadly, many take that which belongs to God and give to Baal (v.7).  We choose to worship God or mammon—we cannot do both.  The chest of Joash was put in place (v.8-9).  The people gave cheerfully and abundantly (v.10-11).  The workmen were paid and God was glorified (v.12-14).  This is the Bible plan God gives us.

Sometimes we need a challenge.  As we come to the end of the year at Pole Creek, one of members has committed to give $15,000 for the ongoing mission and ministries of our church.  They are challenging the rest of us to match that—dollar for dollar above our other gifts.  May we respond joyfully!