For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Young King Joash fixes up God's house, and everyone gets to help — but the story also reminds us to stay close to God all our lives.
Today's Story
Joash became king when he was just a boy. As long as his wise helper, the priest Jehoiada, was with him, Joash did what was right and followed God.
One day Joash looked at God's house. It had gotten old and broken and needed fixing. So he had a great idea! He set out a big chest with a hole in the lid, right by the gate, so everyone could bring an offering to help repair it.
The people were so happy to help. They came again and again, dropping in their gifts until the chest was full! With all those gifts, workers fixed up God's house until it was strong and beautiful again. Everyone gave gladly, and it was a joyful time.
But then something sad happened. Old Jehoiada, the wise helper, died. After that, Joash started listening to people who did not love God. Little by little, he turned away from the very God who had kept him safe as a baby. He stopped following God's ways, and even treated God's messengers unkindly.
Joash had started so well. His story reminds us that following God is not just for one day — it is for our whole life, all the way to the end.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Have you ever given something to help fix or build something? How did it feel to help?
- The people gave gladly, with happy hearts. Why do you think God loves it when we give gladly instead of grumbling?
- Joash followed God when he was young but later turned away. What can help us keep following God our whole life?