7. Kings

7. Kings 


Today, we have a snapshot of some of the kings in Jesus's family tree: proud Uzziah, good Jotham, bad Ahaz and great Hezekiah. Jesus's ancestors were a real mixed bag! If we were to delve into our histories, I'm sure we would find the same, but Jesus is God, and yet not ashamed to associate with the likes of us! 


Uzziah got too big for his boots. He decided being king wasn't enough, he wanted to be a priest as well. For his pride, God struck him down with leprosy, and his good son Jotham reigned in his place. 


Jotham might have been good, but he didn't succeed in causing reformation in idolatrous Judah's society. Being individually good is good of course. But having a godly impact upon wider society would be even better. 


Ahaz at one point refused to ask God for a sign, when offered by the prophet Isaiah. At first thought, that might seem pious and faithful of him, as though he didn't need signs to trust God. But Ahaz was an idolatrous king who God wanted to receive the sign of the virgin born Son of God, Immanuel, God with us. 


Hezekiah might have been great at reforming the nation and delaying Judah's decline. But even he had his failings. He proudly showed off Judah's treasures to Babylonian officials, who would eventually take over the promised land and cart God's people off into captivity. Because it didn't happen in his lifetime, Hezekiah was selfishly pleased. 


Matthew 1:9, 2 Chronicles 26-29


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