Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart
These final kings are summed up pretty quickly by the Chronicler. Being they weren’t “good” kings who followed the law and worshipped God, it makes sense this author would be brief.
Even more interesting is how these kings were chosen and the family dynamics that must have been going on during this 22+ year period. Let’s look at that and glean some wisdom on what the message is for us today. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 36:1-10 – The Last Kings”
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. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 35:20-27 – When God Speaks”
King Josiah has discovered an ancient business plan that he can put in place, seamlessly employing his whole kingdom in a God-honoring way. Josiah can be “behind the scenes” and throw an amazing celebration of historic proportions.
Celebrating Passover was also found in the Chronicler’s account of King Hezekiah’s rule. He, too, celebrated Passover in a big way, but in this passage, the Chronicler makes it seem like Josiah paved the way as the first king to celebrate Passover like that. Why do you think there is a difference? Continue reading “2 Chronicles 35:1-19 – Behind the Scenes”
There is so much we can glean from today’s passage, which is very similar to King Josiah’s history in 2 Kings 22. The key piece fueling this story is that a scroll containing God’s law, originally given by God to Moses, has been found. The king is overcome with the news, especially when he has heard the contents of the scroll.
King Josiah humbly acknowledges, seeks God, obeys God, leads others to return to God. He does all these things despite the fact he knows God’s anger is still burning under the surface, promising to bring judgment after Josiah’s lifetime. Hence, there’s a lot going on here to reflect on. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 34:14-33 – What a Find!”
Here we go again. Does it feel a bit like “déjà vu?” King Josiah takes it upon himself to make sure that his kingdom is cleansed from all the pagan articles and distractions away from the one true God. We’ve seen this pattern repeat itself before. One king destroys the idols, and another rebuilds them. No wonder the people were disillusioned. The kingly leadership was never consistent.
King Josiah’s intentions were good in purifying the land once again, including the temple. Even as a young king, Josiah wasn’t afraid to make some bold moves. What do you think happened to the people who were worshiping in “pagan style?” Did they go into hiding and continue with their rituals and allegiance to false gods? Continue reading “2 Chronicles 34:1-13 – Hiding or Purging?”
