“You do you & I’ll do me” might feel like a kind approach to life, especially when our nation is rife with division. But the problem with that approach is that it neglects our call to, “go & make disciples of all nations”, that is, if one claims to be a Christian.
When Josiah becomes king of Judah at the mere age of 8, he inherits a big fat mess because his father & grandfather led the entire nation into deep moral disrepair.
Not only is the temple of the Lord in neglect, altars for pagan gods are erected inside of it! His own uncle had been sacrificed in the fire as a dedication to the detestable god of Molech!
So with that kind of generational junk in his backpack, it makes you wonder how he became one of the few kings who, “did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, not turning from what was right?” Maybe he witnessed his own father’s assassination & determined in his heart to not do what he’d done?
He could’ve approached his throne having nothing to do with his people’s religious practices, only focusing on their conduct as members of state, but that’s not the case.
We don’t know how his faith was so sure, but what we DO know is that he used his influence as ruler to rid his nation of lawless practices & to repair the temple of the one true God. He was not content to merely know God & serve Him by himself, but determined in his heart to wield his position to woo the hearts of the people back to the only God who saves!
Charles Spurgeon once said, “If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies.” 😳
What a visual, right? King Josiah could’ve led with a laissez-faire political approach, but he acted with swift fearlessness for the sake of the people!
We may not be kings, but we are Kingdom carriers AND we are all positioned with influence we can wield for Kingdom purposes!
King Josiah laid down complacent comfort to follow his God & King with undeterred zeal. Are we willing to use our platforms of influence to do the same?
Father, a you-do-you approach to life may let our loved ones live their life right into hell. May we live with the zeal of Josiah, using our time, talent, Influence & treasures to love many into Your Kingdom!
2 KINGS 20:1-22:2
ACTS 21:18-36
PSALM 150:1-6
PROVERBS 18:9-10
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