S) "3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly. 4 He did evil in the sight of the Lord like the house of Ahab, for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction."
2 Chronicles 22:3-4 (NASB)
O) These verses refer to Ahaziah (aka Jehoahaz), and his mother Athaliah (who was the daughter of the wicked Ahab and Jezebel). At the macro-level, this is the result of allying with wickedness (since Judah had been doing relatively well, seeking the LORD, until they allied with Israel and married into their wickedness). It's worth noting that, while v.4 says, "for they were his counselors after the death of his father," but his father was already bad; it just got worse after his death. At the micro-level, this is an example of the importance of a father's presence, and the importance of having a good plan in his absence.
A) God willing, I won't die until my grandchildren are raised. However, I must acknowledge that God might not actually be willing. While I can't predict the future, and there is only so much planning I can do, I must consider the possibility that my children will not have me around as long as I'd like. So, I should prayerfully consider, and discuss with my wife, what might be the recourse for our family if I did pass away before we hoped. In our culture, a lot of attention is given to life insurance, financial planning, and providing for the physical needs of our surviving family. This story, however, reminds me that there is a far, far, far greater matter to attend. It's not a happy topic to talk about, but it's well worth it.
P) Father, let your will be done in my life, and in the lives of my wife and children, after my life. With the time I have here, discipline me to be faithful over them, to train them up, and to set them after Your heart, God. Let them see that pursuing anything, or anyone else, is vanity and futility. If I die before they are mature in Christ, please let my children always receive righteous, wise counsel. Let them discern truth and wisdom, according to Your ways, according to Your will. Guard my wife and children always, according to Your power and might. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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