July 27, 2022 -- II Kings 16:2-3a -- Will They Do What Is Right in the Eyes of the LORD?

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God, as David his father had done, but he walked in the way of the things of Israel.
II Kings 16:2-3a ESV

The father of Ahaz was Jotham. King Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. It is strange how regularly the sons of godly kings do not do what is right in the eyes of the LORD. In fact, a godly father does not necessarily have a godly son to follow him. So often that terrible phrase is recited in the Books of the Kings, “and he did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD his God".

Faithful and faithless leaders are accountable to the Ruler of Heaven and Earth. Just because a leader refuses to acknowledge the LORD of God that doesn’t mean his life and all his actions will be exempted from the LORD's judgment! He Who made the heavens and the earth has the right, in fact, He is obliged, to uphold the standards of perfection and holiness which are in accord with His nature.

Fathers and mothers, raise your children and grandchildren to know the LORD. It is not something they will naturally turn to on their own. The heart is wicked and deceitful, inclined to all kinds of evil. It will take years of patient, godly instruction to raise up children who know and love the LORD.

Church members and extended family members, bless the children and young adults whom God has placed in your life. Speak to them about the love of God. Tell them of His justice and His right to command holy living. An artist has the right to do what he wishes to with his canvas. An intruder is accused of defacing the art work if he applies paint, lines, or colours that the original Master didn't. The LORD is the Mighty Artist, the Creator-Genius—true wisdom is to acknowledge His artistry and to align one’s life so that every step is in keeping with His design. It is joy and wisdom to teach others to admire Him, worship Him and to help them to walk every step according to His awesome design.

Creator God—how beautiful and masterful is Your handiwork. The heavens declare Your glory. The earth is filled with evidences of Your goodness. The bright plumages of the birds display Your genius. The deep ocean creatures, hidden from the eyes of man, are made for Your delight. Teach us, LORD of Glory, to walk according to Your grand design and to submit both will and life to You. May many see in us a dedication to doing what is right in Your eyes, so that they too will rise up and bless You. Forgive us, when our words say one thing and our actions make our words meaningless and empty. Forgive us for the way in which this brings the Name of Jesus into disrepute. Renew in us Spirit of the Living God, joy and an abiding, sustained endurance to walk the path of righteousness. Mighty God, guard our children and young adults from the temptations of the world and the wiles of the devil. Give to our children and the young adults within our Christian community the example of saints who love You and the ability for these same children and youth to ask questions, to imitate and to grow in rich storehouse of blessings you have prepared for all who love You. This we pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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