2 Kings 23:3 [King Josiah] went up to the temple of the LORD with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD.
King Josiah is on fire for God. He does everything in his considerable power to shine God’s light. He reads the Book of the Covenant to the people. He renews the covenant in the LORD’s presence. The people renew the covenant as well. He tears down all the places dedicated to idols. And yet, his sons, two of whom rule after him in fairly quick succession, are just as evil as so many who came before.
2 Kings 23:4 The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep His commands, statues and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to that covenant.
As is often the case right now, I find myself struggling with optimism and pessimism. Josiah, it seems, did so much to move people back to the Lord. The people said all the right things, did all the right things, and yet fully embraced his evil sons when they took the throne. It is easy to be overwhelmed by despair, but the phrase “hold onto hope,” God’s hope, keeps rattling around in my head.
2 Kings 23:32 [Jehoahaz] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his predecessors had done.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for knowing our hearts. Thank You for the reminder to hold on to Your hope, especially in difficult times. Help us to shine Your light for all to see. Draw us closer. Amen.
2 Kings 23:37 And [Jehoiakim] did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his predecessors had done.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.