Contrary To Popular Opinion - King Joash

The leaders plotted to kill Zechariah, and King Joash ordered that they stone him to death in the courtyard of the LORD’s Temple.

2 Chronicles 24:21

It may be hard to believe, but at one time, potatoes were the object of scorn, hatred, ridicule, and fear. When Sir Walter Raleigh first introduced potatoes to England, the Brits wouldn’t touch them, believing that they caused all sorts of illnesses and death. British newspapers ran scathing editorials against them, and ministers preached against their evil.

According to public opinion, it was only through the hard work of a few courageous souls that the humble potato earned its legacy as a food staple.

Sometimes we must stand against even the strongest public opinion. Zechariah, a prophet who ministered in Judah during the reign of King Joash, illustrates the point.

Early in his life, Joash served God faithfully, but after the death of the priest Jehoiada, he followed public opinion and joined the masses in abandoning God and worshiping man-made idols.

Zechariah encouraged Joash and the people to return to the Lord and warned them of the consequences of their idolatry. The message from God that Zechariah repeated was simple and straightforward: “Why do you disobey the LORD’s commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the LORD, and now he has abandoned you!” (2 Chronicles 24:20).

That wasn’t what the king or his subjects wanted to hear.

Zechariah paid with his life for his willingness to buck public opinion. The people ignored what he told them and stoned him to death in the Temple courtyard.

Sometimes you may have to stand against the tide of opinion in your home, at work, or among friends. A key to receiving God’s blessing for yourself and others is being faithful to him and his Word even when others don’t want to hear about it.