All not so familiar names, but with a familiar story.
In the last years of the reign of the Jewish kings in Judah, these were some of the prominent names. They were subject to the prevailing society around them, while trying to maintain a purity of their of culture and religious background.
The cycle was almost predictable – from father to son – bad, good, bad, good.
I’m still trying to figure out how to live in a society that disregards or ignores their own spiritual plight. As I read of these kings, I’m reminded that the best leadership does not guarantee a good succession.
A trend one way may mean a complete reversal in short order.
On the surface, the whole thing leads to despair.
Underneath, I am reminded that God is in control. Nothing happens without God’s knowledge. I don’t need to know all the ingredients of life, I’m just called to be faithful to God with the life I live. And in that life, I am called to call others to God.