Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, — Hebrews 12:1 ESV
In the books of Kings and Chronicles in the Old Testament of the Bible, we see the lives of the kings that reigned in Israel and Judah after David and Solomon. In comparison, the kings of Judah were better kings but there was a damning comment regarding the majority of them:
“But he did not destroy the pagan shrines, and the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense there.” 2 Kings 15:4 (NLT)
“Nevertheless, the high places were not removed. The people still sacrificed and made offerings on the high places…” 2 Kings 15:35 (ESV)
Most of the kings of Judah started well, mainly because they had godly support around them and subjected themselves to it. However, once they rejected the support and/or shifted their focus from the LORD, things started going downhill.
One thing I noticed was the importance of foundation. Some of the kings left good legacies and their children recognised them and built on them. Others ignored the good and chose to build on the bad like King Ahad. But his son Hezekiah refused to follow in his father’s footsteps and the Lord did great things through him and for the nation Judah in his days.
We all have our strengths and weaknesses. As parents we see our children take our strengths and make them stronger, taking them to a new level. Also sometimes, they take our weaknesses – bad habits or behaviours – and take them to another level that’s uncomfortable to see or witness.
For the kings of Judah, the high places that were ignored later became snares to them and later generations. Likewise, weaknesses in our lives that are ignored can fester and cause trouble for us, our children, and families further down the line.
We are all human and will always have weaknesses but how we deal with them matters. Hiding, denying or ignoring them always causes problems. But handing them to God and being ruthless with them, will save us and those close to us in the long run.
“Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV)
The little foxes can be seen as weaknesses that are allowed to fester in our lives and as those foxes spoil the vineyards, the weaknesses can hinder us in our Christian journey.
Nothing is hidden before God; everything is laid bare before Him. Secret sins and bad habits can take us down if we hold on to them. So, tear them down!
Stay blessed,
LaraLex
Hills and Valleys 