“Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord according to all that his father Uzziah had done... But the people still followed corrupt practices.”
2 Chronicles 27:1-2 ESV
Shepherds, teachers, parents—you can do everything right with those over whom the Lord has given you charge but it doesn’t mean your charges will walk righteously with the Lord.
So--Stop beating yourself up over the disappointments and failings of those into whom you have poured your life. Like Adam and Eve who both had a perfect--PERFECT Father, they had the freedom to choose to live well or live poorly.
“So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God.”
2 Chronicles 27:6 ESV
2 Chronicles 27:6 ESV
Jotham is given “short shrift” (that means little is written about him) in the Word but he is highlighted as a good king and a good and successful man “...because he ordered his ways before the Lord.” That’s what I call, "The proper pursuit of prosperity, the “shalom” of God which is far more than merely the “peace” with which we associate that word. The "shalom of God" is ALL encompassing of everything in and about our lives. This is the best anyone can do.
We all live in a fallen world where everyone has the freedom to live well or live poorly and GOD defines which is which. Committing ourselves to living after the manner He has determined assures us of His blessing but not the assurance of a trouble free life. THAT is only assured once we leave this broken world and enter our Heavenly home. Shalom!
(CF. Psalm 73 The despair of Asaph!)
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