It Only Takes One
June 23, 2009
Scripture
1 In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, Hezekiah son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father David had done. (2 Kings 18:1-3)
Observation
These bright words of hope come when we have heard that king after king ‘evil in the sight of the LORD.’ Finally there is a king that did not follow in his father’s footsteps. These verses are a reminder to me that we each come to God on his terms – we are not bound to the actions of our forebears. King Hezekiah did what was right – not what he had seen modeled around him. We aren’t told how he came to these decision, but we see God’s response. God granted him success in all that he did. He had success where his ancestors had failure. This is good news.
Application
Today, I will remember that I am not doomed to repeat the mistakes my ancestors made – I have to choose for myself. My hope is that I do not make all new mistakes, but learn from mine and the mistakes of those who came before me. I plan to seek the LORD with all my heart. That choice is up to me!
Prayer
Holy, gracious, and forgiving God. Thank you for this portion of scripture that reminds us that we are punished for our own deeds, not those of our ancestors. Give me the grace that I may live well according to your expectations – and to claim the blood of Jesus when I fall short. Amen.
