READING: 2 Chronicles 34-36
Today is one of those days when the Word makes me pause, consider life and death, and pray. It’s one of those days when I realize again how dependent on the Lord I must be every day of my life.
On one hand, the words about King Josiah in today’s reading are quite encouraging and positive:
- “He did what was right in the Lord’s sight and walked in the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn aside to the right or the left.” (2 Chron 34:2)
- “Then the king stood at his post and made a covenant in the Lord’s presence to follow the Lord and to keep his commands, his decrees, and his statutes with all his heart and with all his soul in order to carry out the words of the covenant written in this book.” (2 Chron 34:31)
- “So Josiah removed everything that was detestable from all the lands belonging to the Israelites, and he required all who were present in Israel to serve the Lord their God.” (2 Chron 34:33)
On the other hand, though, his life ends in battle when he ignores the Lord’s word spoken through the king of Egypt, seemingly does not seek the Lord for direction, disguises himself, and dies not unlike King Ahab of Israel. Indeed, one writer has concluded, “It is ironic that Josiah, one of the best kings of Judah, was killed in a manner remarkably similar to Ahab, perhaps the worst king of Israel (18:29–34).”* Josiah is remembered as a good king, but the stain is still there.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What is your strategy to make sure you finish well?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, help me be faithful to the end.”
MONDAY’S READING: Ezra 1-4
* Howard, J. R., ed. (2010). HCSB Study Bible: God’s Word for Life (2 Ch 35:22–24). B&H.
