Today’s Devotion
Topic: Choice or Fate?
(Self Assessment 146)
Background:
It’s been said that history has something to say to the present. Great cues can always be learnt from events of the past to help build on the situations of the present and the future as well. Three generations led Judah in succession; Manasseh, Amon and Josiah. Today, we will study these three kings critically, learn from their life choices and ascertain the practical ways to avoid their mistakes.
Manasseh: 2 Kings 21:1- 4, 6
Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites. 3 He rebuilt the high places his father Hezekiah had destroyed; he also erected altars to Baal and made an Asherah pole, as Ahab king of Israel had done. He bowed down to all the starry hosts and worshiped them. 4 He built altars in the temple of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem I will put my Name.” 6 He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practised divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists.He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
Amon: 2 Kings 21: 19- 23
19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem two years. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth daughter of Haruz; she was from Jotbah. 20 He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done.21 He followed completely the ways of his father, worshiping the idols his father had worshiped, and bowing down to them. 22 He forsook the Lord, the God of his ancestors, and did not walk in obedience to Him. 23 Amon’s officials conspired against him and assassinated the king in his palace.
Josiah: 2 Kings 22: 1- 2
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. Amen
Questions:
i. Manasseh had a good father (King Hezekiah) but he became the worst king of Israel. His Son Amon followed after his footprint. However, Amon’s son, Josiah, did right before God. Does this mean we are the choices we make, and not necessarily victims of negative blood lines?
ii. Manasseh was 12yrs and Josiah 8yrs when they became kings. Manasseh did evil in the sight of God but Josiah did right. At the innocent ages of 12 and 8 respectively, what are some of the possible factors that can make one grow to do right and the other evil? List as many as you can.
iii. Each time the kings of Judah were mentioned, their individual mothers were mentioned too. What special role do mothers play in training their children to fear God?
iv. Manasseh was diviner and a sorcerer. How dangerous is it for the destiny of a nation whose leaders practice divination?
v. What have you learnt from today’s study?
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