Our lives are built on trust. The question is never whether we trust . . . but whom we trust. The story of the prophet Zechariah in 2 Chronicles 24 powerfully contrasts one man (Joash)’s trust in people and another (Zechariah)’s trust in God. Through the lens of Zechariah’s story, Scripture highlights the challenges of placing trust in those around us, and the hope of anchoring trust in God.
Zechariah’s story unfolds during the reign of King Joash, a young ruler, who under the guidance of the high priest Jehoiada (Zechariah’s father) lived a righteous life and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 24:2). After Jehoiada’s death, however, Joash succumbed to the pressures and influences of those around him, straying from God’s teachings and embracing idolatry. Therefore, Zechariah confronted King Joash and reprimanded them for these transgressions.
Zechariah’s rebuke was met with murderous hostility. Though raised and wisely counselled by Zechariah’s own father, Joash ordered Zechariah’s execution.
Zechariah’s ancient fate finds parallels in our modern society, where trust is often met with betrayal. Zechariah, a devoted servant of Yahweh, found himself at risk in a society that had abandoned Yahweh. His story is a sobering reminder that even those whose trust we’ve earned . . . cannot always be trusted.
But there is more to Zechariah’s story than betrayal. Zechariah knew his life was ultimately in God’s hands and that God’s faithfulness would prevail. With his final breath, he reminded Joash his trust in God was not in vain:
“May the Lord see and avenge!” (24:22)
God heard Zechariah’s cry for justice and held those responsible accountable. Soon after Zechariah’s execution, the Aramean army invaded Judah and defeated Joash, seriously wounding him. While he was recovering, Joash’s own servants assassinated him “because of the blood of the son of Jehoiada the priest” (14:25). This passage is a powerful reminder that God will always be faithful to his promises and will not let injustice go unpunished.
It is right for Christians to cry out for justice. Revelation 6:9 – 10 shows us these cries ring loudly in heaven:
I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
While people cannot always be trusted, God’s faithfulness never fails. His promises are greater than any human betrayal. Zechariah found courage in God’s faithfulness, not fearing death, and left a powerful message for those who witnessed his trust. His story reminds us that despite life’s pain, we can always rely on God’s promises.
When human bonds are broken, God’s love remains. Our lives are ultimately in His hands. His faithfulness – and his promises – reach far beyond anything we could ever comprehend.
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