January 18, 2023

In the Book of 2 Chronicles 27:1-8 we read about one of the kings of the Southern Kingdom of Judah.  His name is Jotham, which means “God is perfect” or “God is complete.”  He followed in his father’s. King Uzziah, footsteps as king (2 Chron. 26).  Both Uzziah and Jotham, while not perfect, were considered good kings.  Under their rule a number of building projects were instituted, the people of Israel prospered, their enemies were defeated, and tribute from defeated nations was collected.

Good guys of whom we read, “He (Uzziah) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done.  He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God.  As long as he sought the Lord, God give him success.”  2 Chron. 26:4-5.  “He (Jotham) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done … “  2 Chron. 27:2a

And then came Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah (see 2 Chron. 28).  His name in Hebrew carries of the meaning of being held by Jehovah (ponder that imagery for a few moments).  Wow!  Another generation of goodness in the throne room.  A king like dad and papa.  Someone to brag on.  Another name to cheer onward, hold up as a role model, and sing songs about. 

You know the type – put his likeness on a postage stamp and currency.  Hire a sculptor and put his bust on a mantle, his full-length statue in hallway or in a park.  Someone to interview for the Today Show, to write books about, and maybe just maybe … make a video movie about.

NOT!  We read about Ahaz in 2 Chron. 28:2-3a “Unlike David his father (the lineage of the great king), he DID NOT DO WHAT WAS RIGHT IN THE EYES OF THE LORD.  He walked in the ways of the kings of Israel (all bad guys) and also made cast idols for worshipping the Baals (false evil gods).  He burned sacrifices in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and SACRIFICED HIS SONS IN FIRE … blah blah blah.”  It totally gets worse and worse throughout the rest of the chapter.  WOWSA.

It makes you shake your head.  Seek to find a reason.  Blame someone or something.  Turn away in disgust.  All too often dismiss the family, the friends, the school, the church, the government, or perhaps even the person’s pet dog as the blame for such actions and attitudes.

Rather than do any of this I want us to think about those who loved this boy as a baby, as a child, as a teenager, and an adult.  Think of those who prayed for him and told him the history of his family, his nation, and his God.  Those who tried.  Those who cried out for him.  Those who stood by – maybe helpless as this boy went down the dark path of stubbornness, selfishness, and sin.

When someone’s kid, maybe yours, goes bad … pointing fingers, curling our lip, uttering comments, gossiping to mindless people who listen, casting stones, turning our back, and cloaking ourselves in our own estimate of worthiness … doesn’t really help anyone.

Think about how those who cared about the Ahaz, how did they feel?  Sad?  Angry?  Stunned?  Hopeless? Bewildered?  Besides themselves? Did they lose their sense of hope?  Their faith?  Did they ever feel like dying, hiding, throwing up? 

Have you had a child of your own or know of the child of a friend or family member who has gone bad?  Creating a mess of life, embarrassing others, making poor or horrible decisions, and tarnishing the reputation and legacy of those who brought them into this world?  They were born from good stock, received love and affection, were given protection, provision, and good direction, and then willing wandered onto the path of destruction.

If so, pray.  Not just for the wayward wicked one.  But those who are the collateral damage.  Send notes of encouragement.  When you see them smile and offer hugs.  Spend time with the wounded lovers of the wicked ones.

Anyone can cast stones, spit on those who are down and out, and besmirch people’s names and reputations.  It takes love, mercy, and grace to restore, rekindle, renew, and reignite the souls of those who at one time held someone precious and now have watched what was, to now be less than.

God knows how those people feel … His child turned away from Him in the Garden.  He saw one grandchild kill another.  He watched humanity descend into the most vile and evil mess imaginable.  Therefore, if you are one of those who have had an Ahaz … draw close to God, He understands and He alone can truly help you.  Don’t resort to being a condemner but BE a lover and encourager.