Click to read 2 Kings 22
Synopsis
Unlike his father, Josiah's heart was after the Lord, one of the very few kings that did. Though he was young when he took over the throne, he reigned obediently for 18 years. The Book of the Law was found and handed over to Josiah when he was 26 years old. When the Book was read to him, Josiah realized how much the nation had sinned against God. He tore his robe in an act of repentance and reverence. By that act, God promised to let his reign pass in peace; God's punishment was withheld until Josiah passed on.
He did not stop at just expressing repentance for the nation. He purposed to reform the nation based on God's laws. He revived the building of the temple to honor God and removed all the pagan temples and Asherah poles (See 2 Ch 34).
Major Verses
V1 -2 - Though he was just a young boy when he ascended to the throne, Josiah reigned obediently with a heart after God.
What I learn
Josiah's actions prove that God can touch a child's heart. There is no need to wait for adulthood before a person can genuinely seek after God. Our children are future leaders and servants of God. Let us purpose in our hearts to teach them God's ways so that they will yield to and serve God. Let us not allow our perception of age stop our children from seeking after God.
V11 - 13 - The Book of the Law was neglected by the evil kings and thus was "lost". When it was handed over to Josiah, he immediately realized that drastic changes would have to take place to reform the wayward nation.
What I learn
When God's Book of the Law was found, Josiah used it as a yardstick for reform. God's words cause drastic change in our lives. We have God's words at our finger tips today. Are we prepared to allow His words to change our lives towards His plan and will for us?
V18 - 20 - Josiah act of repentance, by tearing his robe, reflected the custom of his time. It was not the physical act but the genuineness of his heart that God was pleased with.
What I learn
Today, our custom may not see or even allow the tearing of clothes as an appropriate act of repentance. However, weeping, being remorseful, fasting, making restitution or saying sorry to those we have hurt are some ways that demonstrate our genuineness of our repentance. Our repentance must come from a contrite heart and a tenderness for God.
Summary
The psalmist says in Ps 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Indeed, let our heart be always seeking to please God.
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More to learn from Josiah in the next chapter....coming on 25th Aug.
"He (Josiah) revived the building of the temple to honor God and removed ALL the pagan temples and Asherah poles"
ReplyDeletePerhaps there are also "pagan temples and Asherah poles" in our hearts which we have not been honest with God...or perhaps we have co-share God with these "temples and poles".