S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

2 Kings 24:9

He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father had done.

O-bservation:

This passage of scripture is speaking about King Jehoiachin of Judah, the son of King Jehoiakim. Jehoiakim was the son of King Josiah, who was one of the holiest kings in the history of Judah. It’s hard to fathom how Jehoiakim could stray so far from the ways and teachings of his godly father, but he sure did. When God had him destroyed, his son Jehoiachin ruled in his place. But he was evil, just like his father. I guess you could say that Jehoiachin was a COPYCAT.

A-pplication:

This story is puzzling to me. First, because Jehoiachin’s father, Jehoiakim, rebelled so hard against the ways and teachings of his father, Josiah. Josiah literally turned Judah from a wayward, rebellious nation to a God-fearing nation during his rule. Everything, and it appears just about everyone, prospered during his reign, yet his son did a 180 after his father died. Because of his sins, he was destroyed by the Lord, and his son ruled in his place. Yet his son, Jehoiachin, offered nothing new to the people. I believe godly fathers are desperately needed today! The odds are in our favor that a strong, loving, God-fearing father will raise children who fear the Lord, while the ungodly fathers will largely raise children who copy their life and actions. I don’t want to raise a COPYCAT of me, but rather a lover of Jesus. No matter what.

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

This AM, I’m praising you for all You have done in my life. I thank you for a father who raised me to serve You and not him. Because of it, my own sons long to be like You. Thank You for helping me point them in Your direction. Amen

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