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The Failure of Impact
“And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done (although he did not enter the temple of the Lord). But still the people acted corruptly.”
2 Chronicles 27.2
Jotham’s reign of sixteen years is but briefly observed in both Kings and Chronicles, even though he is noted as one of the obedient kings in Judah. He is recorded as successful in his military prowess, in his efforts to further buttress the defensive capabilities of his nation, and in his general building projects. It is somewhat difficult to envision the life of a man when but sixteen verses are written of him. He was clearly a successful king and what stands out is his loyalty to God.
Yet I am made to wonder about the last sentence in the above verse:
“But still the people acted corruptly.”
The account in 2 Kings notes that the “high places were not removed” and that the people continued to pursue what was unauthorized. Was this a failure on the part of Jotham? Or did Jotham try to be a godly leader only to be thwarted by a stubborn citizenry? In either case, his faithfulness did not dissuade their faithlessness.
One of the more frustrating elements of discipleship is a failure of impact. We may strive with everything in us to be what God asks of us. We may try our very best to lead others, teach others, encourage others, kindly correct others, and influence them toward godliness. And such efforts may be the more intense in our relationships with brethren, given that they are brethren. And yet we may have no real effect. It is simply the fact of free will. Try my hardest, I cannot make anyone else do right.
It is discouraging to feel ineffective. But my task is the loyalty, the faithfulness, the good work, the effort. The impact of such is beyond my control. God help me today to not be weary in doing good.
