2 Kings 22:3-23:30 Josiah was king and began his reign at the young age of eight years old. The Scriptures tell us he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the ways of David his forefather. He turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. Wouldn’t we all love to have such words said about us when our life reaches its end here on earth?
Psalm 23 tells us that God leads us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. I used to pray for my three boys to not veer off that righteous path. Two sons, however, did veer off the path for a short season, but they returned, and now they are serving the Lord with all their hearts. The great thing about our Lord is that He is not only the one who leads us in paths of righteousness, but He can also restore us when we veer off that path. His desire, of course, is that we always walk close to Him because our very lives represent His name on earth. He wants us to stay on the righteous path, because when we do, we bring glory to His name. We cannot destroy the reputation of God, but often when we veer off the path of righteousness, others see this and say God was not able to keep us. Others may think less of God than they did before if our lives do not speak of God’s faithfulness to keep us. In fact, Moses appealed to God to not destroy the children of Israel because others were looking and would conclude that God was not strong enough to keep His people.
God is looking for faithful people who will keep on track by staying on that path of righteousness. In today’s reading we see such faithful men. Josiah set about to restore the temple and hired carpenters, builders and masons to buy timber and other supplies to repair the house. None of these workmen were required to give an accounting of the monies they spent because they dealt faithfully.
No king was ever like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, soul, and might. As soon as Josiah discovered the law, he had it read to all the people, and then went about obeying the law by destroying all idolatry and occult worship in the land.
God is looking for Josiahs in this day. Will you be one?
Lord, I desire to be found faithful when You return. Help me not to turn to the right or to the left. May I serve you with all my heart, soul and might all my days.
READ: 2 Kings 22:3-23:30; Acts 21:37-22:16; Psalm 1:1-6; Proverbs 18:11-12