In this daily Bible reading is the account of Hezekiah becoming King of Judah. He became King at the age of 25 and reigned 29 years. Hezekiah was a good King.
His father Ahaz had previously desecrated the Temple and encouraged Judah to worship demons. Hezekiah ordered the Temple be cleansed and restored the worship of God. That was Hezekiah’s first act as King. Hezekiah said, “It is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His burning anger may turn away from us.”
It is interesting to me that Hezekiah was so different from his father, Ahaz, who turned away from God. Perhaps it was Hezekiah’s mother who had such an influence on Hezekiah. His mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zachariah.
Zachariah was probably a descendent of Zachariah the prophet who lived during the time of King Joash, Hezekiah’s great, great grandfather. So, Hezekiah’s mother was likely raised by those who were very close to God. It is likely that Hezekiah’s mother was devoted to God and influenced Hezekiah to be devoted to God.
A parent’s influence is so very important to a child. As parents we have a great responsibility to raise our children to know God so that they are more likely to become believers and walk rightly before God.
The Bible says that parents should frequently talk to their children about God. This is a command that all parents should take seriously. I believe that one day God will hold parents accountable for this.
