February 6, 2022

Passage Read: 2 Kings 20-23
Meditation Verses: 22:18-20

Thought

Hezekiah did wrong and was rebuked by the Lord, but he wasn't really bothered by it, because he had a promise from God that everything would be fine to the end of his days. Josiah heard the words of the Law and tore his clothes in grief and distress. He knew the Lord must be angry and perhaps there was no hope. But because Josiah was responsive to the Lord, the Lord promised to protect Judah until after Josiah's passing. Josiah didn't then just sit back and relax, he zealously corrected all the problems and eliminated the evil from the land, even going into the land of Israel and Samaria to cleanse the land. Sadly, his sons didn't get the message and things fell apart as soon as he died.

Application

The different responses are significant, but sadly neither averted the disaster. God much prefers Josiah's response: real grief and zeal to make things right. Hezekiah's response shows no concern for others, but only for himself. It shows no concern for what God desires, which is repentance and a changing of ways. I need to be careful that when I read God's word, I listen carefully to what it says. If I just gloss over it, as if it doesn't really apply to me, I'm not helping myself or others. But if I respond like Josiah, I still may not save the next generation, but at least I'll show God I truly care about what He cares about.