GODLY FEAR, LASTING SUCCESS
JULY 18, 2025
TOPIC:
TEXT: 2 Chronicles 27:1–9, Proverbs 9:10
KEY VERSE: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
Success that truly lasts doesn’t come from skill, ambition, or age. It comes from honoring God. King Jotham of Judah is a great example of this. He became king at 25 and ruled for 16 years. Although he didn’t rule for very long, he ruled well—because he chose to obey and follow God.
Jotham didn’t let power or position change him. Instead of chasing fame or greatness, he chose to do what was right in God’s eyes. He focused on building the temple gate, strengthening his city, and doing things that pleased the Lord. The Bible says, “Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the LORD his God” (v.6). His success came from planning his life around God, not from chasing titles or personal gain.
He also learned from his father, Uzziah. Uzziah was a strong king but made a mistake—he entered God’s temple to burn incense, something only priests were allowed to do. Because of his pride, God struck him with leprosy. Jotham could have gotten angry at God for this, but instead, he stayed faithful. He copied his father’s good example and avoided his mistakes.
However, Jotham made one error. After seeing what happened to his father, he stopped going into the temple altogether. Even though he respected the temple, this reaction was too extreme. As a result, the people grew worse in their behavior. They continued to offer sacrifices in the wrong places, and Jotham didn’t stop them. Sometimes, when we get hurt or see others fall, we might react by pulling away from church or fellowship completely—but this can lead to even greater problems. We should respond with wisdom, not fear.
Despite this, Jotham remained committed to helping his people. He built cities, forts, and towers to protect them. He even defeated the Ammonites and helped increase Judah’s wealth. He was a king who served, not one who simply wanted to be served. He didn’t chase greatness—but greatness found him because he feared God.
When Jotham died, he was buried with honor, and he left a good legacy. Unlike King Saul, who lived for himself and died in disgrace, Jotham lived for God—and his reward was not only on earth, but also in eternity.
From Jotham’s life, we learn that success that pleases God is rooted in reverence and obedience to Him, not in personal ambition. True leadership is cultivated through example and humility, not inherited by default. Reacting to pain with extreme withdrawal can create deeper issues, but responding with wisdom keeps us grounded. Serving God and others faithfully matters more than seeking our own greatness. Ultimately, the highest achievement is not worldly fame, but a life lived in a way that prepares us to meet God.
SEARCH LIGHT:
Good success is not about doing big things—it’s about doing the right things with the fear of God in your heart.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to fear You, walk in obedience, and serve with a humble heart. May my success bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
BIBLE READING: Psalms 135-137, Revelation 4
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
