How does Jotham's reign demonstrate the importance of walking "uprightly before the LORD"? Introducing Jotham’s Story • Primary passages: 2 Kings 15:32-38; 2 Chronicles 27:1-9 • Reigned sixteen years over Judah, son of Uzziah • In a dark era of idolatry, his life shines as a living sermon on uprightness Key Verse: The Heart of His Reign 2 Chronicles 27:6: “So Jotham grew powerful because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God.” What “Walking Uprightly” Meant for Jotham • Personal integrity—“He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Kings 15:34) • Respect for God’s holiness—avoided his father’s sin of entering the temple unlawfully (2 Chron 27:2) • Consistent obedience—“ordered his ways,” not occasional good deeds but an ongoing pattern • Public faithfulness—fortified Judah, built gates, and governed justly (2 Chron 27:3-4) Immediate Outcomes of Upright Living 1. Military success—subdued the Ammonites; they paid tribute for three years (2 Chron 27:5) 2. Growing influence—“Jotham grew powerful” (27:6) 3. National security—fortifications and strong defenses stabilized Judah 4. Unblemished record—Scripture lists no major moral failure in his life The Stark Contrast: Upright King vs. Corrupt People 2 Chronicles 27:2: “But the people still behaved corruptly.” • Jotham’s faithfulness stands out all the more because the majority ignored God • His example teaches that personal righteousness is not negated by surrounding compromise • One upright life can preserve blessing for many, even if the culture drifts (cf. Genesis 39:20-23) Why Jotham’s Example Matters Today • God still honors those who “walk blamelessly” (Psalm 84:11) • Upright living brings stability: “The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23) • Integrity protects: “He who walks in integrity walks securely” (Proverbs 10:9) • Influence flows from character, not position—Jotham’s power grew because his ways pleased God, not because Judah was righteous Take-Home Reflections • Determine to “order your ways” before God—set structures, habits, and boundaries that guard holiness • Expect God’s favor to follow obedience, though not always mirrored by others around you • Let Jotham’s life prove that one believer’s upright walk can stem the tide of corruption and invite divine strength |
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