2
Chronicles 27 provides encouragement to those of us with imperfect
parents (or are imperfect parents). We can’t do a thing to change
the circumstances of our birth. As children, we are a product of our
environment. Disneyland used to have a ride called “Autopia” in
which a child drove a car along a small “highway”. When you
watch the young kids, they really think they are driving the cars.
In reality they are guided along a track and the driver has little
control. The older kids don’t even try. Some people live life
this way, taking no responsibility for their actions, blaming others
for every bad thing that happens. From the moment of awareness, we
make decisions that impact the course of our life. The chapter
begins, “Jotham
was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in
Jerusalem sixteen years… He did what was right in the eyes of the
Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done“.
Remember in an act of rebellion, his father had gone into the Temple
of the Lord and preformed a task reserved only for the Priest. He
believed he was above the law of God and that prideful act lead to
his father’s downfall. Many people pursue life just like their mom
or dad, but listen to the rest of the sentence. Unlike his father,
“he
did not enter the temple of the Lord“.
Our
loving God gives us free-will but He does not leave us alone. Romans
5:5 explains, “Now
hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us“.
The Holy Spirit of God ministers to our spirit. Are you listening?
The
chapter continues with a sad note. Even though the king honored God,
“The
people, however, continued their corrupt practices“.
We are surrounded by imperfect people and although we can make a
positive influence, we cannot change anyone else. I believe God does
bless nations, but I know He looks at the heart of each individual.
He desires to be the Lord of your whole life. “Jotham
rebuilt the Upper Gate of the temple of the Lord and did extensive
work on the wall at the hill of Ophel. He built towns in the Judean
hills and forts and towers in the wooded areas“.
God uses each of us to impact the world around us. Matthew 5:16
reminds us to be a light to those around us.
“Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven“.
The
chapter concludes with two more important points. “Jotham
made war on the king of the Ammonites and conquered them”
and “Jotham
grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God“.
Perhaps he learned from seeing his father fail, but Jothan is an
example of a man that honored God until the end. My life changed the
moment I understood that Jesus did not die for “mankind” but He
died for ME. He willingly suffered and died in my place. This is
where our faith begins. We cannot drive our way to heaven with our
good works or just following the rules. The Bible says that “By
grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves;
it
is
the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast”
(Ephesians 2:8-9). Trust that God will get you to the final
destination, and make room for others to join you on the ride.