Verses 1-6, “Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly. He built the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord, and he built extensively on the wall of Ophel. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and in the forests he built fortresses and towers. He also fought with the king of the Ammonites and defeated them. And the people of Ammon gave him in that year one hundred talents of silver, ten thousand kors of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. The people of Ammon paid this to him in the second and third years also. So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God.”
Just like his father Uzziah before him, Jotham was mostly good and godly. However, he did learn a lesson from his father in that he did not enter the temple. When we see the consequences that others suffer for their sin, it should cause us to want to avoid a similar situation. Other than this one thing, Jotham copied the pattern of his father's leadership. This shows us just how important it is to set a good example for those who are watching us, especially our children. Is there anything that you currently practice that you would not want your children to imitate? Whether it is ungodly habits or speech or anything else, it is best for them, others you witness to, and mostly your relationship with God, for you to quit. Paul told the Corinthian church to “imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
Ephesians 5:1-7, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them.”
We can see from Jotham's accomplishments regarding the house of the Lord, that his focus was indeed on the things of God. He also had military success against the Ammonites, who were forced to pay him tribute as the stronger kingdom. Jotham was a strong king because he acknowledged God in his ways. If we are not focused on the things of God, why should we expect success in the other areas of our lives? Those who seek other things before God will not have the blessing of God. Matthew 6:31-33, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
But before you go seeking God, you better make sure that you examine your own faith. Do you really believe that God is the supreme authority with infinite power at His disposal? Belief is more than just saying the right words...it involves actions that demonstrate you actually believe what you are saying. You believe that He IS! If your actions reveal a lack of faith, it is time to go to God to repent and ask Him to heal those things which are broken. Do not go to God asking for help (unless you are repenting), if you have unbelief in your heart. In that condition, you should expect not to receive a thing. James 1:5-8, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
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