2 Chronicles 33: 21 – 25

It was a shame Amon was so like his father (21, 22). It is often alarming, or at least sobering, to see our own reflection in our own children. We look into their faces and see ourselves staring back. Children tend to become what their parents are and do, more than what they say. So we dads and mums have to consider what we are modelling. I remember spending a week-end with some friends in Derbyshire. I was the visiting preacher at their fellowship. At the time, they had a little boy who was scarcely more than a toddler. On Sunday, the little chap had to carry his own case to the service, because he wanted to be like his daddy, who always carried his Bible and papers in an attaché case. Now that is innocuous and cute, but it left a powerful impression on me that little eyes are on us and they are copiers. Amon ‘photocopied’ his dad’s earlier conduct.

It was a shame that Amon was so unlike his father (23). As we have seen, Manasseh had a remarkable conversion, or turning back to God. His life could be divided into two chapters: ‘before’ and ‘after’. In chapter 2 he was a totally different man, marching ‘to the beat of a different drummer.’ But it was like only chapter 1 registered with Amon; or that he put down the book before the start of chapter 2. Whatever, it was the first chapter that guided his own behaviour, to the detriment of his nation, and leading to his own eventual downfall. …he never did repent to GOD as Manasseh repented. He just kept at it, going from one thing to another. The Message.

Amon came to a sticky end. The nation was not a happy place under his leadership. It was full of intrigue; plots and counter-plots. When the ungodly are in power the people suffer one way or another.

So Amon died, as all rulers do. But one good thing to come out of his death was the accession of young Josiah to the throne. We will see why in the coming days.

Prayer: Lord, let the lesson stick with me that as I reap I will sow.