Prior to Jotham, the last three kings of Judah had started well, but became corrupt as they became proud of their success. Jotham stayed the course and was seen in a purely positive light by the Chronicler.

For us as for Jotham, this is not a once-for-all decision, but a daily struggle. That is why we need the support of the community of faith, and the discipline of continual prayer and reflection upon the Scriptures. No less a teacher than the apostle Paul described his lifestyle as continual preparation and training, like an athlete preparing for the games, “so that after proclaiming to others I myself should not be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27). We, like Jotham, must be prepared to order our ways and stay the course if we wish to be God’s people. As Jesus sternly warns, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). Beginning is good. Continuing is better. Finishing is best.

Steven Shawn Tuell, First and Second Chronicles, Interpretation, a Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (Louisville, KY: John Knox Press, 2001), 205.

Father, please help me to finish well.