We’re going through the Historical books one chapter per day, and that pace has allowed me to see someone I’d previously breezed past: Jotham, king of Judah, 2 Chronicles 27. It’s a short chapter and a short reign (only 16 years), but he’s one of the good guys:

Jotham was twenty-five years old when he became king; he reigned sixteen years at Jerusalem. His mother was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. In GOD’s eyes he lived a good life, following the path marked out by his father Uzziah. Unlike his father, though, he didn’t desecrate The Temple of GOD. But the people pushed right on in their lives of corruption. (2 Chronicles 27.1 – 2, MSG)

And here is one case where the people don’t follow their leader: good king, corrupt people.

Jotham had success in building projects and in battle, but here’s the verse that grabbed my attention:

Jotham’s strength was rooted in his steady and determined life of obedience to God. (2 Chronicles 27.6, MSG)

I’ve added that to my set of memory verses on Strength! Courage! beginning with Joshua 1.6 and 9. “Jotham’s strength was rooted in his steady and determined life of obedience…” That’s The Message, and it’s just as good in the English Standard Version:

So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before the LORD his God. (2 Chronicles 27.6, ESV)

That’s a good word. I’d like to be known as a man who “ordered his ways before the LORD his God.”