How can Jotham's example encourage us to seek God's guidance in decisions? Setting the Scene: Jotham’s Track Record 2 Chronicles 27:7 tells us, “Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, including all his wars and his ways, are indeed written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.” • “His ways” points to a life marked by steady, thoughtful choices. • Verse 6 adds the key: “So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.” • Though he reigned only sixteen years (v. 8), Scripture sums up his reign in terms of decisions deliberately aligned with God’s will. What Stands Out About His Decisions? • He refused to repeat his father Uzziah’s prideful mistake (26:16–21). Staying humble kept him usable. • He focused on building—city walls, towers, and gates (27:3–4). Constructive priorities flow from listening to God. • He handled conflict wisely, subduing the Ammonites without needless cruelty (27:5). God-guided decisions balance strength and restraint. • His reign is described without moral failure; his consistent “ways” were worth recording (27:7). Practical Ways We Can Follow His Lead • Order your day “before the LORD” first (Psalm 5:3); private surrender shapes public choices. • Measure every decision against clear Scripture (Psalm 119:105). If God has spoken, the matter is settled. • Seek the Spirit’s counsel through prayer (James 1:5) before acting, not after consequences appear. • Reject pride quickly (1 Peter 5:5–6). Humility keeps the channel of guidance open. • Aim to build, not just react—invest in people, projects, and habits that advance God’s kingdom (Ephesians 2:10). • Record God’s answers and your “ways.” A written track record reinforces trust when new choices arise (Deuteronomy 6:12). Promises God Makes When We Seek His Guidance • Proverbs 3:5–6—He will “make straight” our paths. • Psalm 32:8—“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” • Isaiah 30:21—You will hear, “This is the way; walk in it.” • John 10:27—“My sheep hear My voice … and they follow Me.” Because Scripture is accurate and literal, these promises stand as firmly for us as they did for Jotham. |
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