Chapter 326 of 1163

2 KINGS 22

At the age of sixteen, Josiah began to seek the Lord and live for Him. Was his mother a special godly influence in his life? Her name means “beloved” and is very much like the Lord’s “pet name” for Solomon (2 Sam. 12:25). Certainly Hilkiah the high priest saw to it that the young king honored the Lord. Never underestimate the power of godly influence.

Manasseh rebuilt everything that his father tore down (2 Kings 21:3), but Josiah tore down what Manasseh built up (2 Chron. 34:3–7). But reformation alone will not change people; there must be repentance and renewal within the heart. That came with the finding of the Law in the temple. (Imagine losing the Word of God in the house of God!)

It is good to have God’s Word; it is even better to hear God’s Word; but the greatest blessing of all is to heed God’s Word (James 1:19–25). The king humbled himself before the Lord, and God spared the land.

Have you “lost” the Word of God somewhere, even in the midst of a religious life? Does God still speak to you, and do you obey?

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