The Benefit of Hindsight预览

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics are an interesting thing.

In our families, we share much the same. We all have the same environment, the same relationships, and similar interactions.

But that does not make us the same people. We all have individual natures, and children can even respond to the same nurture in very different ways.

Sometimes, family resemblance is obvious; our looks, personalities, predilections, etc., may all align with those with whom we share a heritage.

Other times, seeing where and how someone is connected can be difficult. And sometimes, breaking a family connection is necessary because we need to make other choices.

I was blessed enough to be raised in a home that loved Jesus. Not all followers of Christ are that lucky, and it doesn’t always go well when someone in the family chooses a different path from everyone else.

Hezekiah chose to break with his sinful ancestors and follow the Lord. Instead of following the path of so many kings that preceded him, he chose faithfulness to God and restoration of the worship of Yahweh to the people of Isreal.

It is no light thing to choose to do something different than those who have gone before.

Like Joash, Hezekiah chose the restoration of the Temple and the reestablishment of the worship of God as the path for his reign. Chapter 29 of 2 Chronicles lists all the ways that he pushed and pursued restoring Israel to faithfulness to God.

What came of it?

We get to read an incredible verse at the end of this chapter: “So the service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished. Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly” (2 Chronicles 29:35b-36).

We see here the Chronicler's perspective once again. Though Hezekiah instituted all the reforms to establish the work and function of the Temple, the Chronicler records that it was what God had done.

This note to the people returning from exile reminded them that God was behind their circumstances. They needed the reminder that God was true to His own character and always at work.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your involvement even when I can’t see You. Help me to be a man who has the courage to stand for You even when others do not. Amen.

Reflection: How can you celebrate your heritage as belonging to the family of faith, even if your family of origin didn’t walk with Jesus?