Nichole Fogleman
Today’s Reading: 2 Kings 18:1-8, 2 Chronicles 29:1-2
Todays post is about one man in the OT. I have to give this man a day of his own, King Hezekiah. The amazing things King Hezekiah did will come later. I need to spend some time reflecting on the act of passing your faith on to the next generation. I want to share a little about my own story. I originate from a family of very strong faith-filled individuals, passed down from generation to generation. At times in my adulthood, I have felt a little envious because I did not have a great powerful testimony to share; no reawakening from a sinful life; no voices heard from the depths of rock bottom; just a southern family with a very strong patriarchal figure, my grandfather. He was not a perfect man. I have been there at moments when his family tactics of discipline were questionable . But I was raised in the church, all my extended family was raised in the church, and every being of my soul is grateful for this heritage. Regardless of politics, regardless of old fashioned ways, I was taught to love Jesus. One of my most vivd memories, was my grandfather lifting me up in a VERY audible prayer. My mother and I were in a huge quarrel. I was yelling. We were guests in his home. My grandfather had suffered with severe depression in his older years, and at times seemed fragile. But I will never forget that day, with my voice raised high, me, sure of my righteousness against the world, and walking into the living room finding my grandfather on his knees in audible prayer about my transgressions. I was forever changed.
Maybe the same thing happened with Hezekiah. Maybe he witnessed his God-fearing grandfather on his knees praying in an audible prayer for him. Hezehiah’s father was King Ahaz. If you remember back to day a couple of days, Ahaz was a ruthless, hate filled, disobedient man. Hezekiah actually reigned jointly with his father for several years. But we learn that Hezekiah did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, “There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah. He remained faithful to the Lord in everything, and he carefully obeyed all the commands the Lord.” (2 Kings 18:5-6)
Lesson learned. Praying for your children, your grandchildren can make all the difference in the world. One bad egg, doesn’t ruin a generation of God fearing people. As Hosea the prophet said in chapter 6:6, “God just wants to show you love, not see your sacrifices. He wants to know you.” And for you to make others know him too. Btw, the picture today is a picture of three generations of God fearing women: me, my mother, my youngest daughter.
May God bless you and your extended family on this glorious day.
