February 4, 2023

Passage Read: 2 Kings 20-23
Meditation Verses: 23:24-25

Thought

Josiah was like a crazy man in his zeal for the Lord! He read the Law of Moses and understood that the Lord should be very angry at Judah, the prophetess confirmed his suspicions, and yet he still went on a holy rampage, cleansing Judah and Jerusalem and even Samaria! He didn't let God's promise to fulfill His Word of destruction discourage him. I would have been tempted to think that there was no point and just withdraw and do my best to obey, but Josiah went ballistic. Whether he thought there might be hope to forestall judgment or not, he pledged the people and himself to return wholeheartedly to the Lord, and made good his commitment. The only sad thing? His sons didn't share his fear of the Lord, and undid all he worked for.

Application

Whether there is hope to forestall judgment or not, even if the next generation completely overthrows my efforts, I still need to be committed to calling those around me to greater love and good works, and to strive right along with them to serve God better. I can't give in to hopelessness and just give up on everyone and everything, and just wait for the Lord's return. I shouldn't mind my own business, but spend myself on behalf of the Lord and His people to reform myself and them, to push for greater obedience and dedication.