Even though the bible tells us to raise our kids up right, they are still their own person with their own personalities. Parents can not always be to blame for their children’s behavior. Hezekiah, who was one of the best kings in Judah’s history because of his faith and loyalty to the Lord, ended up passing on the throne to his son Manasseh who was one of the worst kings in Judah’s history and completely ignored the ways of the Lord. The lesson here is that good character traits are not automatically passed on from parent to child, they have to be taught and nurtured and RECEIVED by the child. Good parents can have bad children.
Manasseh provoked the Lord to anger. This shows that God’s patience does run out. We can’t do evil and sin and provoke Him to anger forever without any consequences. He is a just God and will have justice and deliver consequences.
In 2 Kings 23, Manasseh’s son Josiah is king and he found the Word of the Lord. (side note- the Word of the Lord was lost? No wonder no one was being faithful to God and He was provoked to anger!) Anyway, as soon as Josiah found the Word, he made radical changes in his house and his country to align to the Word. When we are convicted, by the Holy Spirit, a friend, the bible, or a pastor, we have to actively align ourselves with God’s will. That’s what it means to be faithful and Josiah was a very faithful king.
My prayer today: God, please fill me with your spirit. Please allow my spirit to be aligned with your Holy Spirit so that I can walk in all your ways. I pray for patience and wisdom when faced with tough decisions. I pray you bless this day and that all those whom I come in contact with would feel your love and would see you shining through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Living Life with Jesus 