Note: this was supposed to be Friday's daily devotional on IG but it was too long. So before I get to Saturday's chores, I'm offering it to you here.
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2 Chronicles is a bit like watching a tennis match as we go back and forth between Judah's kings who alternately did either evil or good in the eyes of the Lord. Mostly evil.
Near the end, shortly before the Babylonian invasion, we read about a boy, Josiah , who did wonderful things. He followed the law of the Lord, following in the footsteps of his forefather David, never deviating to the right or the left. Under him, the entire nation observed the Passover. Something that hadn't been done since the days of the prophet Samuel.
Then, abruptly in chapter thirty-five, we find Josiah sallying out to join a battle he has no business joining.
So why didn't he? This king who "deviated neither to the right or the left." We can't know for sure but I think two little words give us a clue: his purpose. Josiah would not be deflected from "his purpose." He was doing what he wanted, or what he believed to be right, rather than listening and seeking God's word in the matter.
It's the piety trap. We do some good and big things for the Lord and start believing we're good and wise and just . . . just like God. But the truth is, we don't have a great track record when it comes to operating on our own, in the flesh. The enemy will trip us up every time.
Near the end, shortly before the Babylonian invasion, we read about a boy, Josiah , who did wonderful things. He followed the law of the Lord, following in the footsteps of his forefather David, never deviating to the right or the left. Under him, the entire nation observed the Passover. Something that hadn't been done since the days of the prophet Samuel.
Then, abruptly in chapter thirty-five, we find Josiah sallying out to join a battle he has no business joining.
Necho sent envoys, saying, 'King of Judah, what do you want with me? I have no quarrel with you today, only with those with who I am at war. God has purpose to speed me on my way, and God is on my side. Do not stand in His way, or He will destroy you.' Josiah would not be deflected from his purpose but determine to fight; he refused to listen to Necho's words spoken at God's command, and he sallied out to join battle in the vale of Megiddo. (2 Chr 35:20-22)The next verse tells us the King Josiah was shot by archers and died. Such a sad end for a king who followed God's law and led the people in righteousness. You wonder how history might have been different if Josiah had listened this last time to God's word.
So why didn't he? This king who "deviated neither to the right or the left." We can't know for sure but I think two little words give us a clue: his purpose. Josiah would not be deflected from "his purpose." He was doing what he wanted, or what he believed to be right, rather than listening and seeking God's word in the matter.
It's the piety trap. We do some good and big things for the Lord and start believing we're good and wise and just . . . just like God. But the truth is, we don't have a great track record when it comes to operating on our own, in the flesh. The enemy will trip us up every time.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (Joh 15:5)Abiding with Jesus. Reading His word and remaining in fellowship with Him through daily prayer is the only way to really be wise, and good, and just. And to ensure that His purpose, becomes our purpose.
Shalom,
PS I had my first experience in a bird blind last weekend - I can't wait to share it with you!
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If you read something here that inspired you, I’d love to hear about it. Please know I appreciate every comment! Thanks so much for stopping by! Blessings, June