"He [Jehoash] refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam son of Nebat had led Israel to commit." 2 Kings 13:11b (emphasis mine)
I did a quick search on Biblegateway.com of the phrase "led Israel to commit." The results shocked me. This phrase was written 18 times, each time reflecting the influence of Jeroboam. The longevity of his influence seemed to have no end.
What was Jeroboam's influence? What sin did he lead the Israelites to commit? To answer that question we need to take a short trip back to 1 Kings 11:25-33. Jeroboam was appointed by God to take over 10 tribes leaving Rehoboam, Solomon's son only one tribe . (All because of Solomon's sin -more bad influence.) So the people of Israel would not travel out of his influence, Jeroboam make worship "convenient" for the Israelites by setting up shrines and altars for them to make their sacrifices. Refresh yourself with the story.
What was Jeroboam's influence? What sin did he lead the Israelites to commit? To answer that question we need to take a short trip back to 1 Kings 11:25-33. Jeroboam was appointed by God to take over 10 tribes leaving Rehoboam, Solomon's son only one tribe . (All because of Solomon's sin -more bad influence.) So the people of Israel would not travel out of his influence, Jeroboam make worship "convenient" for the Israelites by setting up shrines and altars for them to make their sacrifices. Refresh yourself with the story.
I asked myself the question, "What will the longevity of my influence be?" Today's key verse tell us that our behavior, choices, and actions matter to future generations. Not only do our behavior, choices, and actions matter to our children but also to those our children and our children's children will influence. Such ponderings go beyond my thinking power.
What will be said of "Wendy, daughter of Bob and Fay?"
"Dear Lord, help me live my life in such way that future generations will be closer to you instead of farther from you.
What will be said of "Wendy, daughter of Bob and Fay?"
"Dear Lord, help me live my life in such way that future generations will be closer to you instead of farther from you.
3 Comments:
Wendy, a friend and I were talking about this very thing yesterday afternoon!!!! I join with you in praying that I will live my life in such a way that future generations will be closer to God.
I was drawn to vs.4 from 2 Kings 13 today, "Then Jehoahaz prayed for the LORD's help, and the LORD heard his prayer..." The previous verses tell us that Jehoahaz reigned in Samaria for 17 years, but he did what was evil in the LORD's sight. Imagine, living without the Lord for 17 years...in fact not only living without Him, but blatently rebelling, and then after all that time turning and praying for help "and the LORD heard his prayer."
That amazes me. I think of those who maybe "ignore" me for one reason or another, or have hurt me in the past. Would I be so quick to run to listen and offer help should they suddenly call on me? Would my reaction be so filled with grace and forgiveness? Would I even want to listen?
Reminds me of the thief on the cross. He didn't live one day as a Christ-follower, yet he received immediate forgiveness as Jesus said, "today you will be with Me in glory".
God always listens to the repentant heart turning towards home. So thankful for the times my own wayward heart has found forgiveness at God's unending mercy.
Know He hears you today ladies,
Joy
Good Morning,
Joy, I too, underlined the 4th verse. God continues to be merciful today because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To this very day, he has not banished us from his presence. What a compassionate God we have.
Wendy, I too want to live in a way that future generations will seek God. The sin of Jeroboam led to its downfall and caused the people to be separated from God.
I thought of the verses in Ephesians... 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
Lord, Today I pray for wisdom to know the things I do not know. To be able to to your will and to walk on the path you desire for me. My prayer is that everyone in my family will be saved and that we all will live to positively affect future generations. Amen.
Sisters, what would we do without God's Word? So clearly, the answers are laid out in front of us. Thank you Lord for drawing me close to you.
Everyone~ have a great Friday! Catch my hugs and prayers coming your way. :) Lori - AZ
Awesome insights this morning Wendy! It reminded me of a saying I really like. "Our children are living messages we send to a time and place we will never see.
So we do have an awesome responsibility to make a difference in their lives.
Dysfunction is rampant in families today. I was raised in one. But with God's help I/We worked really hard to break the cycle. The Lord was so very instrumental in the process. Still it is so hard to break the habits of how we were raised. We struggle with the voice of our mothers and or fathers coming out of our mouths at times we may be at our wits end.
Appologies and seeking forgiveness was not a part of my parents tradition. It became a very big part of my tradtion with my children. They need to know and see that I know that I am not perfect. That I make mistakes. They need to know that I am a sinner and am forgiven through the blood of Jesus Christ. Likewise when I make mistakes in my parenting it was important to me that I explained myself, my condition,temperment,circumstances and situations that may have caused those inappropriate comments or actions. And seek their forgiveness.
Hopefully I set an example for them to carry on and live by.
Keeping in relationship with the perfect parent...God himself is so vital in our parenting styles.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
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