What's Next?

Whether you heard the message from Sunday or are part of one of our “What’s Next” groups at Venture, here’s a way for you to go deeper.

this week's next steps

Memorize Exodus 20:6

Commit to seek & obey God

Pray for next generation to turn to God

Say yes to Jesus - click here

This week's Bible reading plan

This week's fill-in notes

This week's study

Throughout our Break Free series, some of you have been praying and advocating to break the strongholds in your family that have been passed down for generations. And that is exactly what we see happening in the lineage of the kings of Judah in 2 Chronicles. First, King Uzziah’s pride became so great, that he thought he had the right to violate God’s law. Even after being confronted by 81 priests, he did not listen. But it wasn’t always like this! In 2 Chronicles 26:5-6 we learn that he sought the Lord and did what was right in His eyes. King Uzziah had a long list of accomplishments, but in the end, he is known for his pride being his downfall and his punishment was to live the rest of his days in isolation afflicted with leprosy. His son, Jotham, also did not fulfill his charge as king. Where his role was to lead the people of Judah to worship and obey God, he instead did not enter the temple and the people continued in their corrupt practices as modeled by King Uzziah.

Uzziah’s grandson, Ahaz, even took things a step further! He made idols to worship the Baals and sacrificed his children in fire to the gods of Molech. How did they get here? Do you think this is what Uzziah had in mind for his descendants when his pride influenced him to disobey The Law? Probably not. Maybe he would have done things differently had he had any clue. The thing is, the same can be said for us. We might make small, not so great choices that may impact our children or grandchildren. Or maybe we are the child or grandchild who has been affected by disobedience. But it doesn’t have to continue! Things can change! When Uzziah’s great-grandson, Hezekiah, became king, he reopened the temple and led the country to recommit to the Lord. Hezekiah sought God, and as a result, God blessed him!

Questions to Consider:

Reflect on the story of the kings of Judah in 2 Chronicles 26-29. How could or should they have responded differently?
In the same sense, how can we now respond to similar situations? How have your choices impacted your children or even your grandchildren?
What happens when we refuse to lay something down? What are the consequences when we hold onto sin?
How can you change things right now to bless the generations to come?
In what ways is God asking you to obey Him? Are there any doors He is asking you to close?