“Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign…And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD…For he built up again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed” (2 Kings 21:1-3).

What a sad story. Hezekiah was a very good king who loved the Lord and did many commendable things. Sadly, good King Hezekiah had a very bad son named Manasseh who chose to reinstate the horrible idolatry that his dad had removed. It reminds me of the fact that it is a wonderful blessing when the next generation chooses to love and follow the Lord. But that is the key. They must personally choose to do so. What a great reminder for everyone working with children! Just because the parents are godly people does not guarantee that that child will automatically follow in the same ways. We need to earnestly pray and clearly teach our children.

For today: Do you faithfully pray for the children at your church in addition to your own?