Read 2 Chronicles 35:20-27
Another succession of kingly power in Judah, yet we know God is ready to punish Judah. It could happen any day. We’ll have to wait a bit to see that play out. But what can we glean from this reading or the life of King Josiah?
He was a faithful king, until he wasn’t at the end. However, I don’t think that was so much a matter of faith but rather a mistaken assumption. Did Josiah perhaps think that he, or his people, God’s people, were the only one that God would speak to? That would explain a lot if that’s the case.
Or, as we’ve seen with other kings, they get prideful and self-confident as their reigns become more natural and blessed by God. Some might even say those kings started to take God for granted. Or maybe taking God for granted is just something we do today amidst our own struggles with pride and materialism.
We can all agree that when God speaks, people should listen. But not all people listen. What good does it do when many of the people we encounter every day could give a care less about God or being a child of God or kingdom believer or Christ-follower. Whatever we call ourselves doesn’t matter. What matters is communicating with God.
Good communication involves a two-way interaction. We speak, and we listen. We only hear God speaking when we listen. Having an expectant heart certainly helps. Have you ever heard God speaking to you? Listen as intently as you can, but be ready for a message you may have to act upon!
Josiah had the problem of listening to what God told another person. God’s message to King Neco didn’t involve Judah. King Josiah didn’t believe it and went on the defensive with his army. After all, Neco’s troops were going “by” on their way to whatever it was God told them to do. What if Josiah wasn’t on the ready to protect his people of that mission went south?
What happened to King Josiah? First of all, we didn’t see him consulting with his prophets or priests before he ventured out against King Neco. Then Josiah is fatally wounded. His death must have seemed so very sudden, but that’s what tragic death is all about. But in the end, Josiah was buried with honors for being a God-honoring king.
My favorite part of today’s reading is the reference to Jeremiah composing music for Josiah’s funeral. That puts a bit of a visual time stamp on the “how soon” God’s wrath is coming to Jerusalem. After spending time in the book of Jeremiah, I know he is one of the last to be in Jerusalem writing after the tragedy God has decreed. As a musician, I think it’s cool that God used Jeremiah’s talents in that way.
God can use each of us, too. Sometimes we have a hard time listening for God. We miss those cues and suggestions that keep us living in his will. When I am affirmed that something I am doing is or has helped in some way further the kingdom, that’s a blessing hard to describe. Ask God how you can make a difference today.
Let’s pray. LORD, thank you for each situation you put in my path. Some are not the easiest, but that’s when I depend on you the most. Help me to be more in tune to you and your desires for me. Still my heart so my ears are free to be listening for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
