STEADFAST WAYS. 2nd Chronicles 27 It was likely a great joy for the poor, leprous Uzziah to see his twenty-five-year-old son, Jotham, take on leadership of the country and do well. He had time to help his son learn leadership in a way that pleased the Lord, and he was also a living example of what happens to a leader who takes control and suffers the consequences of pride. It was good for Jotham to follow his father’s example in some ways, but not to follow his in what was wrong. He was a quick learner. He chose to do what was right. In many ways, he followed in his father's footsteps. However, he also saw the terrible harm that happens when you do what you shouldn't. So, in his quiet way, he started to build — he could see what needed attention. And he grew stronger because of the role he took on, which was to be faithful before God, even when he was alone.
How important it is for us to be steadfast in following God, no matter what others might do. Others are watching and learning from us. Each person is responsible to God for his own behavior and the convictions that govern that behavior. To be a mere "copycat" follower and not make the things we are taught our own will not prevent us from going our own way when it is more convenient.
Jotham was a good and successful king, but he couldn’t persuade the people to share his beliefs. His biggest issue was what he didn’t do, while the people behaved corruptly. For most of his reign, he served as a co-ruler either with his father or his son. Jotham’s mother received a strong spiritual upbringing that she could pass on to him. Her behavior would have influenced Jotham positively when he was young. Uzziah was a good man and a good leader, so his son would have seen the projects Uzziah was working on and learned from his father the reasons behind those building efforts.
Perhaps he even learned from what his father did the general principle of "them that honor Me, I will honor and they that despise Me will be lightly esteemed." He also learned from his father the consequences of improper behavior by usurping a position for which you have no right to take. He did not enter the temple, where he had no right to be, but made sure he had divine approval for what he did.
Good behavior is more often caught and taught at home rather than in public and under popular opinion. We can learn from those who live for God, but we can also learn from those who do not. My actions, attitudes, and behavior reflect those who taught me and my willingness to obey what is right and reject what is wrong. In general, good leadership sets the standards of conduct and belief for those who follow. When that is clear and plain before the people, they must "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." We can present the truth, practice the truth ourselves, and encourage others to follow the Lord, but we cannot make them do it.
Jotham was successful because he did "that which was right in the sight of the Lord." He remained faithful to the Lord’s commands. He saw firsthand in his father the consequences of doing what is right in our own opinion. Sometimes people don't think an action is very serious because we tend to view people, things, and events through the eyes of the world around us rather than through the eyes of God. Jotham also "prepared his way before the Lord his God." He built his work on the will of God. He took a stand and remained steadfast in the way he knew would please the Lord his God. That is essential in any work or service we perform. When a person is faithful in heart, in his word, in hope, in confidence, and in faith, he is on solid ground and building on a firm foundation. The work one does for the Lord in life often reflects our attitude toward the things of God and the advancement of His kingdom. There may not be many who will seek or choose our example. Even if there are none, and the goal is in sight, we must not lose sight of it. The sinfulness that surrounds us is not an excuse to stray. We must continue walking on higher ground, placing full trust in God each day.
Jotham faced conflicts when he led his people against the rebellious Ammonites. However, much of his legacy was connected to the structures he built. He followed in his father's footsteps by constructing towers and castles in the forest. With the towers his father built in the desert, and now these, there would have been quite a variety of secure places. A gate, a wall, and cities all served as evidence of progress, looking toward the future and what it might bring.
A critical attitude toward past actions and failures really serves little purpose beyond learning what to avoid. Even though the people we influence might not be of faith, they will benefit from the foresight of a steadfast leader, and hopefully, this will lead them to come to know the Lord. The people did not follow Jotham’s leadership; they continued their corrupt practices. There are times when we cannot fellowship with others, even if they appeal to us. Our actions and guiding beliefs are not based on what pleases others. Our goal is to obey and do what God commands, even when others are our family members or loved ones.
Jotham "became mighty" because he knew the Lord was his strength. He did not become a "prepared" or established leader due to the right actions of his father. He had to take responsibility for his own work and faith. Jotham was a faithful king, and his leadership was characterized by achievement, even though the people he led did not share his faith.
When one is steadfast "before the Lord" and consistently lives his life, his "works will be established." We cannot make people be what they are not, even if they have the proper outward appearance. It is up to us to commit ourselves fully to following the Lord and living by faith with enthusiasm and vigor. A consistent life lived before God and in the presence of others is probably the best way to generate interest in spiritual matters among those who look on skeptically regarding Christianity.
I may not always succeed in convincing others to follow the Lord, but I can avoid being dishonest by living according to God’s Word. The best I can hope for, I guess, is to leave some positive examples for people to follow. Maybe someone, yet, God will bless—through some steady impression they see.