Lessons from Jehoiada: How to Lead a Spiritual Reformation in Your Life

Have you ever felt like your life or community was heading in the wrong direction? Perhaps you’ve watched values you cherish fade away or sensed a growing disconnect from what truly matters. It’s a tough place to be, but history offers hope—and a roadmap for change. One powerful example comes from the Old Testament in the story of Jehoiada’s Reformations, found in 2 Kings 11:17-20 and 2 Chronicles 23:16-21. This account of a high priest’s courage and faith reveals timeless lessons that can inspire us today.

In this blog post, we’ll unpack five key themes from Jehoiada’s story—faithful leadership, covenant renewal, rejecting idolatry, true worship, and the blessings of faithfulness—and explore how they apply to our modern lives. Whether you’re leading others or simply seeking to grow in your faith, these principles can guide you toward a personal spiritual reformation.

The Story of Jehoiada

Let’s set the scene. In ancient Judah, a dark chapter unfolded when Queen Athaliah seized the throne. She promoted the worship of Baal, a false god, and even tried to wipe out the rightful heirs to the kingdom. Enter Jehoiada, the high priest. He refused to let this chaos reign. He protected young Joash, the true heir, and when the time was right, he orchestrated Joash’s crowning as king. But Jehoiada didn’t stop there. He led the people in a covenant with God, demolished the temple of Baal, and restored proper worship in the Temple. The outcome? Peace and joy returned to the land.

This story isn’t just ancient history—it’s a call to action. Let’s dive into the lessons we can draw from it.

1. Faithful Leadership

Jehoiada was a leader who stood firm in a crisis. Risking his life, he protected Joash and rallied the people to restore God’s order. His courage and conviction turned the tide for an entire nation.

What It Means Today

We all have opportunities to lead—whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. Faithful leadership isn’t about power; it’s about standing for truth and guiding others toward what’s right. It might mean speaking up when something’s wrong, mentoring a friend, or showing your kids what faith looks like in action.

Example: I once knew a coworker who quietly refused to join in office gossip. Her example inspired others to rethink their words, proving leadership doesn’t always need a loud voice—just a steady one.

2. Covenant Renewal

A turning point in Jehoiada’s reformation was renewing the covenant between God, the king, and the people. This recommitment realigned their priorities and reminded them who they served.

What It Means Today

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to drift from our faith. Renewing our commitment to God—through prayer, Scripture, or community—keeps us grounded. It’s like hitting the reset button on our spiritual lives.

Tip: Try setting aside a few minutes each week to reflect. Ask yourself, “Am I putting God first?” A simple prayer or journal entry can be a powerful act of renewal.

3. Rejecting Idolatry

Destroying the temple of Baal wasn’t just about breaking stone—it was about breaking free from false gods. Jehoiada led the people to reject what had pulled them away from God.

What It Means Today

Idolatry isn’t always obvious today. It can be anything we chase instead of God—money, status, social media likes. Identifying and ditching these modern “idols” clears space for what truly matters.

Question: What’s one thing in your life that might be competing with your focus on God? For me, it’s been the urge to scroll my phone instead of praying—recognizing it is the first step to letting go.

4. True Worship

Jehoiada didn’t just tear down; he built up. He restored worship in the Temple, ensuring it honored God with sincerity and purpose.

What It Means Today

Worship isn’t just singing on Sundays—it’s how we live. It’s praying honestly, acting with integrity, and loving others well. True worship flows from a heart aligned with God.

Challenge: This week, add a small act of worship to your day. Maybe it’s a quick “thank you” to God or helping a neighbor. Small steps can deepen your connection.

5. Blessings of Faithfulness

The story ends beautifully: “All the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was calm” (2 Kings 11:20). Faithfulness brought peace—not just for one person, but for everyone.

What It Means Today

Sticking with God isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Faithfulness can bring a quiet peace to your soul, even when life’s stormy. And when we live it out, it blesses those around us too.

Reflection: I remember a tough season when I leaned on prayer instead of panic. The situation didn’t change overnight, but I felt a calm that carried me through. That’s the blessing Jehoiada’s story promises.

Conclusion

Jehoiada’s Reformations show us that one person’s faith can spark a revolution. Through faithful leadership, covenant renewal, rejecting idolatry, true worship, and trusting in God’s blessings, we can transform our lives and communities. It’s not about perfection—it’s about direction.

So, where could your life use a reformation? Take a step today. Read the story for yourself in 2 Kings 11:17-20 or 2 Chronicles 23:16-21, and let it inspire you. Share this post with someone who might need a nudge toward faith—because reformation starts with us.

DMMC 7-28-25