When we left off at the end of last week’s passage, King Amon died, never repenting. Chapter 34 opens with his son Josiah becoming king at the age of 8. Yes, 8! His reign can be summed up reading Ch. 34, vs 2: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of His father, David (his ancestor), not turning to the right or to the left.”
Here are some of the verbs that caught my eye:
- Smashed
- Broke into pieces and scattered
- Burned
- Purged
- Crushed
We are given a picture of resolution, a face of decisive action. Josiah was determined to lead the nation, following God. He was not going to be distracted from his plan.
In the process of cleaning the temple, there was an interesting discovery. A book was found. Not just any book. A sacred book. The Book of the Law. Josiah was told, “we found a book” (Why didn’t they say what it was? Did they not know the significance? Were they uneasy about Josiah’s response?). Josiah listened to the book being read, and then tore his robes—a physical expression of agony and sorrow. He directed the priests to ask the Lord what could be done, recognizing the neglect and rebellion that existed aroused God’s wrath.
The prophet Huldah responded: God was sending disaster on the people. Josiah’s rewards for humbling himself before God was dying before their destruction. Wait-WHAT? Seriously, what kind of reward is that?? Weren’t they repenting?
Josiah continued to honor God. The temple was in order. Then, Josiah was in battle with Egypt and was killed. All Judah mourned for him.
Ch. 36: The kings listed had short reigns or were known for doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. The land lay desolate and neglected. Solomon’s temple was in ruins, the walls (representing protection) of Jerusalem were broken down, with no place for security and safety. Verse 18 tells us God repeatedly sent warnings to them because he had pity on them, but they mocked God’s messengers. So – God carried out his word. They were sent into exile for 70 years (In my margin, I wrote “Proverbs 29:1—a stiff necked man will suddenly be destroyed without remedy.”). This chapter ends with God moving the heart of Cyrus (King of Persia) to build a Temple of worship, inviting God’s people to return. What follows are very interesting accounts of what happened behind the scenes, but we will take that up at a later time.
What strikes me about these chapters is that the people weren’t sent into exile because of idolatry. God kept warning them, calling to them. They were shamefully sent into exile because their sin was compounded, ignoring and mocking the warnings sent. God finally gave them what they wanted. This is sobering – how easy for me to ignore warnings given through his word, current events, dreams, health diagnosis, other people. Or justify by telling myself I’ll get to it later. God wants each of us to live in the destiny he designed for us. Now.
We move to the New Testament, to the book of James, which was written by James, a leader in the early church, possibly the brother of Jesus.
James is a blueprint for living. Discouraged about trials and temptations? Read James 1:1-18. Confused on how to interact with others? Read ch 1:19-ch 2. Need direction for personal growth? Check out ch. 3. James has so much to say about the need to watch and control what we say.
The chapter ends with something I will ponder for some time: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” How many of these characteristics are present in my life? Would those that live with me or know me well see evidence of heavenly wisdom? It is overwhelming to take a self-inventory after reading these chapters, and yet I am reminded that he who began a good work in me is faithful to complete it.
Be encouraged, dear friends; God is still calling out to us, just as in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and he will continue to in the future.
