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2 Chronicles 27

Good Morning “Boldly Living It Out.”  Today we are in 2 Chronicles 27.

This short chapter covers Jotham taking the throne of Judah after his father Uzziah.

“He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Uzziah had done, but unlike him he did not enter the temple of the Lord. The people, however, continued their corrupt practices.”
‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭27‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

There is so much in this one verse.  Most often the people follow the kings lead.   Corrupt king… typically the people follow and become corrupt.   King serves The Lord… typically the people return to The Lord.  That’s been the pattern.   Do you find it curious that Jotham “did what was right in the eyes of The Lord”, yet the people “continued their corrupt practices”?

Why?  We’re not given much to go on here… but, there may be a clue in this single verse.  Unlike Uzziah, Jotham “did not enter the temple of The Lord.”  But why?  Why wouldn’t Jotham as a king intent on worshiping The Lord, not enter the temple?

You may recall from yesterday’s reading that Jotham’s father Uzziah became prideful as he became more powerful.  Instead of simply going to the temple to worship as commanded, he took it upon himself to offer incense - a duty prescribed only to the Levite Priests.  He died with Leprosy as a result.

Perhaps Jotham was afraid God might also strike him with Leprosy.  That would be a shame.  Ezekiel 18:20 is clear the son is not punished for the father’s sin.  Maybe he was afraid he too might fall into prideful sin as his dad did.   At any rate, perhaps his failure to model proper worship to the people played a role in their continuing in corruption.  

If we are going to be light in the darkness, we must shine (Matthew 5:16).  If those around us are going to want the relationship with Jesus we have - they must see evidence of it. They must first see it boldly lived out.  How can they desire what they do not see?  

Love you all!  Dig in!  Shine it up!