What kind of influence does a person’s upbringing have on them? Do the actions of parents and guardians matter when a child is raised? The question of how a God fearing legacy is instilled from generation to generation was brought to mind again as I read 2 Kings 11 and 12. In the midst of all the idolatry happening in both Israel and Judah were there children raised who feared God?
After Ahaziah the king of Judah was killed by Jehu Athaliah proclaimed herself queen. In order to make herself queen Athaliah sought to kill all of the royal offspring but Joash the son of Ahaziah was hidden in the house of the Lord for six years and kept safe from her. How did growing up in the house of the Lord impact the life of Joash? His father didn’t follow God but at the age of one was Joash truly able to see the sinfulness of his family? At what age do children start to see our sinful behavior? As Jehoiada the high priest helped raise Joash in secret did a faith in God blossom for Joash? The life of a parent or guardian has a direct impact upon the life of a child. If we presume to believe that we can live a life of sin and hope to see out children be built up in the Lord we are foolishly mistaken. We need to cling to the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength as we live out a life of faith openly before the children around us.
Joash was anointed king at the age of seven and he did what was right in the sight of the Lord and followed all the instruction he received from Jehoiada. What kind of testimony is it that the son of Ahaziah was raised to fear God reigned for forty years following God. The legacy we pass on to our children will be one of faith in God or one of sin and wickedness. The choice of which legacy is instilled into the future generations starts with you today. What will you choose?
