So Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord His God. (2 Chronicles 27:1)
Many professing followers of Christ are very weak. Their lives are marked by a daily battle with petty sins they should have overcome many years ago. They must constantly be reminded of the most elemental truth.
They seem plagued with an undetermined soul. They cannot seem to decide which world they desire—the kingdom of this world or the kingdom of our God. They are “worried and bothered by so many things,” like Martha. They have great capacity to be used by God, but their lack of stability makes them less dependable for God’s purposes.
A STEADY LEADER
Jotham was one of the good kings in Israel’s history. In the cycle of good and bad leaders, Jotham stands as a man with whom God was pleased. And he became “mighty,” which means he was robust, reliable, and prevailing. His was not a flighty faith but firm and dependable. How was this developed in his life, and how can it be developed in ours?
ORDERING YOUR WAYS
Scripture says that he “ordered his ways before the Lord his God.” This word “ordered” is described as “being firmly established, anchored, firm, fixed, like a roof that is firmly established upon its pillars.” (Vines)
Jotham determined to walk with God. Included in this dedication were thousands of small choices to follow the Lord and not the world. Over time, he was strengthened and established so that he became, not perfect, but unwavering in His walk with Christ. You envision him as one you could always trust to make the right choice and stand even in the face of temptation or opposition. The one who prevailed when lesser men collapsed and compromised.
God became “his God,” … not merely someone else’s who Jotham knew vicariously through another’s faith. This was personal, real, authentic, and strong. He knew God, and God knew and trusted him.
Don’t you long to become that kind of man or woman? That leader known for this stability? These men and women are used by God and trusted by men, for they have determined to walk with the God-of-All-Power. Their lives are listed in heaven and earth as those who made a mark for God.
Father, help me take the determined steps today that build the strength of devotion and character that are pleasing to You. Make me, day-by-day, a mighty man, fit for good works. May Your heart trust in me, and may I be pleasing to You in all my ways.
