2 Chronicles 35 - End of a Faithful Leader

Once more we see the end of a faithful king.  Although, it seems we haven't seen too many faithful kings!  God had promised Josiah that he would not see the suffering that God was about to bring on the people for the sins of their fathers, for the sins of the people.  To put it bluntly - Josiah is killed.  He is dead and the people grieve for this king who tried to make things right between them and the LORD.  He did what was right and the people loved him.

Can you imagine that Passover Feast?  Josiah and the leaders of the people were so concerned that God be worshipped; that the Passover be observed; and that the people's sins were covered by the blood of the Passover lamb that they, themselves, gave the sacrifices that were to be offered for the lay people.  Now that is a great king! Seems to me, that is what the King of Kings also did, for us.  But, in this latter case, the Passover Lamb was Himself and the blood was His own.  He was willing to give all for the people.

Josiah did what was right in the sight of God and the people loved him.  Tomorrow, in our final chapter in 2 Chronicles, we will see Jerusalem fall under the leadership of a king who will not do what is right in God's eyes.

There is a moral to this story (probably more than one).  It would be good if the leaders of our various countries would hear the stories of what has happened to countries whose kings would not lead them according to God's will.

May we set aside our meager false gods and worship the one true God that it may be well with us and our children and their's.

God's Peace - Judy

2 Chronicles 34 - Death as a Blessing

Now this is an interesting blessing:  "Now I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here."  (34:28 NIV)

Death is the blessing; death before Josiah has to see the devastation that the sin of others will bring upon the people whom he loves and serves.  To see those whom we love, suffer, is a horrible burden.  It is something most of us would prefer not to witness or endure.  It is especially painful when it is your children or grandchildren who suffer.  And for faithful Josiah, his blessing from God is that he will not live long enough to witness the consequences of Judah's sins.

Death is something most of us really want to avoid.  But, not all.  I've heard it said that everyone is afraid of death.  I do not believe that.  We love life here in this world.  But, there are some of us who look forward to the peace that will come in the kingdom of God.  We are tired of seeing the pain and suffering of loved ones, of the world.  Death does not have victory over us.  However, we will continue with an intent not unlike that of St. Paul as he wrote to the Phillipians (1:20-26): 
     "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.   For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!  I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."

Paul too counted death as a blessing.  But, he also knew that it was all up to the will of God.  There was still the gospel to proclaim to a suffering world and he could not/would not depart his body just because he was tired and wanted to live in Christ's eternal presence.  He would not choose what was for his benefit, but rather that which would benefit the whole Body of Christ.

2 Kings 23 - Extreme Commitment - Extreme Makeover.

Josiah reads the words of the Book of the Covenant to all the people and he and they make a covenant with God.

Today is Pentecost Sunday.  I am up early.  It is an exciting day.  Four of our teens will affirm the covenant of their Baptisms today.  In essense, they will promise that it is their intent to serve God before all other gods and to serve his people.  To put the will of God, before their own.  This makes me very, very nervous!  From reading the book that we have been provided, I know that this is not possible.  False gods are going to creep into their lives.  They, as we all do, will stray from time to time.  But, God is with them; His Word is with them: His Spirit is with them to guide them in His way.  Today, they will make their intent to follow in His way known publically as they each say, "I do, and I ask God to help and guide me."

My granddaughter, is among the four.  She was up way past midnight last night.  She is very excited about today and could not sleep.  She and the other three have been instructed as to God's word found in the Holy Scriptures.  They have been introduced to God's Living Word, Jesus the Christ.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, may they each (and all baptized) come to know God's Word more fully and to know the extreme joy, peace, and love that is found in His Kingdom. 

What an extreme makeover it is when we come to know Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessed Pentecost to you all!

2 Kings 22 - God Grant You Peace

Yeah!  Josiah does what is right in the sight of the LORD.  Josiah has the whole collection in the temple turned to workmen to repair the house of the LORD.  The Book of the Law is also found and Josiah rips his clothes in despair as he hears the words and realizes that so many of his fore-fathers have not done what is right in the sight of the LORD.  It is a relief this morning, to hear of a faithful king!

It is a relief to hear of a king who has humbled himself and wept before the LORD.  The LORD heard and blessed Josiah, "Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grace in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place." (22:20)  And... Josiah, lived and reigned, in peace for about another 13 years.

What can I say about all this, this morning?  I wish that I could say, "Yeah! We all do what is right in the sight of the LORD."  Unfortunately, I cannot.  So many run after false gods.  Like many of the kings before Josiah, we worship God and make our offerings to other gods.   Humble yourself and serve the LORD!  There is only one God who can grant you peace!