The scripture is quite specific about who was behind this spiritual renewal: “Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest (24:2). And again, “… the burnt offerings were sacrificed continually in the Name of the Lord during the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest (24:14). A king and a nation honored God because one man refused to give into despair and instead believed God could change any situation. So never underestimate what God can do with one person.

A scripture that has long fascinated me is I Corinthians 7:12-14: “If a Christian man has a wife who is an unbeliever and she is willing to continue living with him, he must not leave her. And if a Christian woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he is willing to continue living with her, she must not leave him. For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not have a godly influence, but now they are set apart for him.”

I am aware of the theological debate over the meaning of this passage, but I don’t think anyone would deny that a key truth is: the power of influence of one person. Whenever one individual lives in faithful obedience to God no matter what the circumstances, God has access into that situation through that individual. Think about it carefully: there is power in one life lived for God.

Also, we must never underestimate the power of one person wholly yielded to God to hold back spiritual darkness. Before Joash came to the throne, the spiritual darkness of the nation was deep and depressing. The wicked Athaliah had ruled for seven years. There came a moment when one individual decided before God that the darkness of Athalliah’s reign had gone on too long: “In the seventh year of Athaliah’s reign, Jehoiada the priest decided to act. He got up his courage and made a pact with five military commanders …” (I Chronicles 23:1). Jehoiada led the coup that put Joash on the throne. Here was a man determined to stand against the darkness, and God used him during his lifetime to bring light to a nation.

The unyielding resolve of a God honoring believer makes a difference. Godly parents have incredible power. Who made the difference in Daniel who against all odds took a stand against the darkness of the pagan kingdom Babylon. There is no doubt in my mind it was his parents. “Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it” (Proverbs 22:6). Parents, don’t bemoan the darkness of our culture, get busy and release the light of the living God into your children. Young Daniels, Esthers, and Josephs are needed now! They are in your home waiting for you to light the way

Sometimes it is only after a person is gone that we have the true measurement of the influence of that life: “Jehoiada … was buried among the kings in the city of David, because he had done so much good in Israel for God and his temple” (I Chronicles 24:16). But immediately after his death the king and nation took a different direction. Joash even killed Jehoiada’s son who, as a prophet of God, warned the king and nation of God’s judgment. Sadly, when Jehoiada died so did the light of God in a nation.

D. L. Moody was galvanized into commitment by hearing, “the world has yet to see what God can do with one man wholly yielded to Him. He said, “I will be that man.” Christian historians looking back on the nineteenth century write of the powerful impact he made in America and Europe. And his impact continues. His biography has touched many young preachers. It did mine. He and other godly men and women through the centuries live on. In every generation there are the few like Abel who “although . . . long dead, still speak to us because of his faith” (Hebrews 11:4). Determine to be a man or woman like that. It is up to you. God is ready. Our generation needs you.

In the words of Jesus “You are the light of the world – like a city set on a mountain, glowing in the dark for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand for all to see, so everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16). As a child of God you bring light wherever you go. The darkness has to flee when you show up! Never despair! Stay the course if you are the only Christian in your home, school, or work. Utah is a dark place spiritually, but it is also full of light: you and all other believers whom Jesus calls “a light set on a hill that cannot be hid.” Let the light of Jesus shine out of your life wherever you live in this state. Through your life God has an open door to your family, neighbors and community. Let the light loose! Remember the Father’s pointed words: “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). You are never alone!

In the classic film, “it’s a wonderful life” George Bailey, played by James Stewart, at a one point wishes he had never been born. An angel lets him see what would have happened to his community - Bedford Falls becomes Potterville, a place of bars, strip joints and promiscuity – if he had never been born. “Viewing a community he doesn’t recognize, Bailey says, what’s this?” The angel says, “You have been given a great gift, a chance to see what your world would be like without you.” You can make a difference! The life of one person who day after day walks in intimacy with God and refuses to give in to unbelief and despair has a powerful far ranging influence. Don’t ever think your life makes little difference. I am so grateful for the impact of the many believers who loved God and spoke into my life throughout the years. Some who have encouraged me the most to a passionate pursuit of God will never know this side of heaven the power of their life. But one day they will know

Remember time is short and eternity is closer every day. None of us know how much time we have left on earth. Every day is a golden God given opportunity to influence those around us toward a great passion for Jesus and His Kingdom. Every day is an opportunity to impact our world. It is not an issue of deciding whether we will be an influence or not. We either reveal self or Jesus in every daily contact and relationship. You can be “a sweet perfume” of Jesus wherever you go (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Release the light of the glory of God into the many opportunities that each day brings. Decide now, like Jehoiada, to make the influence of your life count for time and eternity. All it takes is one.

*All scripture references from the New living Translation