2 Kings 22-23

April 28

2 Kings 22-23

It seems strange that the Book of the Law, the bible of the Israelites was lost in the temple and it seems no one even noticed. When workmen began to repair the temple they found the book and it was brought to King Josiah. When the book was read to Josiah, he realized that God had given Israel specific instructions on how to live as His people and He spelled out the consequences for not following Him. Josiah realized that God was angry toward the Israelites so he humbled himself and repented of his sin and the sin of the nation. God heard Josiah and told him that Israel would suffer consequences for her sin, but He promised to wait until Josiah had died.

Josiah knew what the final results. God had made up His mind that He was going to bring disaster on His people. But Josiah continue to bring renewal to the nation. He renewed Israel’s covenant with God. He destroyed the idols and places of worship of false gods. He walked in obedience to God. "Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses." (2 Kings 23:25, NIV)

Josiah could not turn God’s anger from Judah, but he influenced the nation for a time period. He called them to follow God because He was God not because of some benefit they may receive by serving Him.

Do we serve God because of Who He is or because of what we want from Him?