2 Kings 22
-We read about a great reformer in the land of Judah when we
read about King Josiah, who came to the throne as a youngster at the age of 8
years old. He had a heart that was completely yielded to the LORD as his
ancestral father David, doing right in His sight, not turning to the right or
to the left. He kept a straight course for love, mercy, justice, peace, and
obedience in his kingdom during his reign, and he was blessed. His heart was
tender and he humbled himself before the LORD. He tore his clothes in anguish
when he learned of his people’s rebellion and sin and interceded for them
before God. Truly the LORD heard this man and turned His attention to him for
favor in his time (2 Kings 22:1-2, 11, 18-20).
-In the eighteenth year of his reign when he was 26 years
old (a young and strong man by this point) he instituted a program for repairs
on the LORD’s Temple. It was in this process that Hilkiah, the high priest,
found the book of the law in the house of the LORD (2 Kings 22:8). As the book
was read in the presence of the king, he repented for his country and was
sorrowful upon all sorrow. He sent his officials for a prophetic word to
inquire about this wrathful word given by God towards a people of disobedience,
which was found in the book of the law (2 Kings 22:12-14a). They found Huldah,
a prophetess who was the keeper of the wardrobe living in the Second Quarter of
Jerusalem. She gave discouraging news concerning the plight of Judah because of
their forsaking the commands of their God and the burning of incense to idols, which
provoked the Living God to wrath and anger. In fact she related that His anger
would not be quenched (2 Kings 22:14b-17). However, a promise was given to
Josiah because of his righteousness. God heard his confessions and
supplications and would allow him to go to his grave in peace, thus not having
to see all the evil which the LORD would bring on the earthly kingdom of Judah
(2 Kings 22:18-20).
-*Application* When our heart is right, like Josiah’s was,
we will seek out the things of God and dig deep into what He commands of us and
expects from us. What we will find, as Josiah and Judah did, is that
adjustments through confession, repentance, and faith must be made to bring us
back into right standing with God’s Kingdom culture. It is at this point that we
can expect our merciful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to have mercy on us and forgive
us from all iniquity and sin (1 John 1:9). He takes us from where we are at and
transforms us into something better in righteousness as we turn to Him with a tender
heart, a humble spirit, and genuine remorse. He gives the promise of peace to us
when we are pliable enough to act upon His offered grace. Obey God completely and
rest in His forgiveness. Stay wayward and expect His jealous wrath.
Verses to Memorize: 2
Kings 22:2, 19
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