Jotham and the Order of Things

So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Jehovah his God

2 Chronicles 27:6

This last week concluded our sermon series entitled strong and courageous. This has been an enjoyable study and a much-needed one as the Lord's church has been challenged by and continues to be challenged by Satan to be weak and ineffective. How appropriate it is to study King Jotham of Judah this week. I want you to take a quick note of what the Word says above. He became mighty because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.

The Word denotes earlier how he did so. First, it is noted that he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah (cf. 27:2). Jotham had the right view and perspective which set the standard for his reign. Secondly, his achievements are listed in verses 4-5. He built the upper gate of the Temple, worked on the wall of Ophel, built cities in the hill country, and had building projects in the forests. He also is noted as defeating the Ammonites in war, plundering them of silver, wheat, and barley. King Jotham was a good king in his actions. What a blessing it is to have godly, but also successful, leadership.

From what we see, the order is unmistakable. The formula for his success was dependent on his following the Lord. Jotham was not mighty first and then ordered his ways before Jehovah. He became mighty only after he ordered his ways before Jehovah. If we in the Lord’s body are going to be mighty in love for our God and our brethren, we are going to have to get the order right. We must look at the book and realize that if we are going to love God and worship Him correctly, we have to be right with our brethren (Matt 5:4). If the Lord’s church is going to be mighty in evangelism, we are going to have to get the order right. We must remember this is our priority (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 28:19-20). If we are going to be a people who are mighty, strong, and courageous, we must trust and obey our Lord in all things, for He is the Mighty God who has defeated death through his only begotten Son. You can be mighty like Jotham if you will order your ways before Jehovah.

Grace and Peace.

R.D. Beavers

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