Godwardness; or the Might of an Ancient
Enoch Hall. 2 Chronicles 27:6 So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. The Bible is the good man's chart: to warn away from danger it points out the places where some good men have gone down; while to encourage, it holds up to view the principles as illustrated by the life of others who have been successful. Jotham's life teaches — I. GODWARDNESS: THE TRUE MIGHT AND MAJESTY OF KINGS. Godwardness is the continuous shaping of our thoughts and deeds as under the immediate inspection of God. Let God be first in every consideration, consulted in every transaction, recognised and deferred to on all occasions and under all circumstances. II. GODWARDNESS: THE TRUE STRENGTH OF EMPIRES. An empire's strength does not depend upon — 1. Riches. Ancient Tyre was rich. 2. Political ability and astute statesmanship. Sparta. 3. Learning. Greece. 4. Legions. Rome. Napoleon Bonaparte. The strength of an empire is in God. Also, the true strength of the soul's empire — the Empire of Self — is Godwardness. III. GODWARDNESS: THE SECRET OF SUCCESS. The true cause of failure and weakness is often moral delinquency. "Jotham became mighty because he prepared his ways before the Lord." (Enoch Hall.) Parallel Verses KJV: So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God. WEB: So Jotham became mighty, because he ordered his ways before Yahweh his God.