Tag: Josiah

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Fools do NOT listen, Wise ones Do

Trust God

2Chron 35: We love the story of the boy king Josiah, but then at the end of his life, he acted as we say “stupidly.” He had all that God could and would give him…if he asked…but he did NOT! He went to pick a fight with Pharaoh Necho without consulting God. Have I ever done that? For sure, I have, and perhaps you have as well. Why is it that we are such a slow-to-learn person? Is it pride? Is that we are impatient? What is the lesson? Stepping out ahead of God is not the wisest thing to do, and Josiah paid with his life because of it.

As believers, we have the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us, but more often than not, like Josiah, we grieve and quench his power when we make decisions on our own. Sometimes God graciously sends an unbeliever to get our attention.  Josiah had everything at his disposal to seek God’s will, but he chose not to do so, and we are guilty of the same.

God knew from eternity past what Josiah would do, but he was even gracious to give him what we call an “out.” He allowed that unbeliever Pharaoh Necho to speak words of counsel, but Josiah, in his stubbornness; that is really what it was, disregarded that counsel. End of the story, an archer’s arrow found him and brought about his death. What can I /you learn?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding…he will make your paths straight” [Prov 3:5]. Sometimes, God is gracious but not always as we see in Josiah’s case.

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LFL: Lessons for Life

2 Chronicles 35  The story of King Josiah teaches us that not IF but WHEN we fail to consult God, we may face severe consequences. Josiah set out to intercept Pharaoh without asking God. He went looking for trouble where he didn’t need to be. Had he consulted God, the outcome may have been different.  An archer drew his bow with Josiah as his target. We might ask: ‘why didn’t God protect righteous King Josiah—why did he allow him to die at such a young age?’

Excellent question with a practical answer: When we fail to consult God, he may send his counsel to us— even through unbelievers as he did with this unrighteous Pharaoh. Pharaoh Necho told Josiah to “Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroys you.”

As a believer, we have the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us, but more often than not, like Josiah, we grieve and quench his power when we make decisions on our own.  Josiah had everything at his disposal to seek God’s will, but he chose not to do so, and we are guilty of the same.

Even though Josiah did not consult God, God was true to His promise. Josiah did not see the calamity God had foreordained for Judah. The LFL (Lesson for Life):  Do not rely on your own understanding. Seek God’s wisdom first before setting out. Sometimes God is gracious but not always as we see in Josiah’s case.

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Parenting Tough Kids

If you have raised a godly child, consider yourself blessed. Do you know of a parent that needs some godly counsel? Why not disciple them?

2kings 20 dads sonsa

2Kings 20-24  Although Hezekiah was a good king, he was not a faithful father. His son Manasseh was the worst of the worst! The Chronicle writer tells us however that after being captured by the Babylonians, he repented and God returned him to his homeland. His story is just what is needed when you face a hardened sinner who has done just about the worst sin you can think of and feels that there is no hope for him/her. Tuck that away for such a time as that. Manasseh is the story of us all: sinners saved by His grace.

Manasseh’s son Amon followed in his footsteps but never repented.  Manasseh’s grandson Josiah was the model king; faithful, obedient and godly. He obeyed the Law to the letter, cleansing and rebuilding the Temple. He cleansed the land and its people. God blessed him in many ways. Yet, as godly as he was, his son Jehoahaz returned to the ways of his grandfather and uncle.

There are some lessons here for parents who are discouraged because of their children’s choices. God was gracious to Josiah that he never saw the ultimate rebelliousness of his son. Sometimes that happens to us as well. Even when you raise them correctly, children make choices; some good and some bad. Tuck that lesson away when you are facing an uphill battle.

Parenting is the toughest job given to a person. We need to remember that and pray and disciple these young parents.   Come alongside them; encourage them; listen to them.

Who is in your life that you need to disciple?

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