because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,"says the LORD. – 2 Kings 22v19
Things had gone too far for Judah. God knew that despite all Josiah’s best efforts for the nation they would not really turn back to God. However, that did not stop God from blessing Josiah.
Josiah was different from other kings. He had a tender heart. It’s great that a king would have a tender heart and would humble himself. But it didn’t stop there – Josiah humbled himself and acted on it.
In a historical perspective Josiah’s reform, while genuine, could not stop Judah’s fall. The people’s hearts were hardened. They had given themselves over to the worship of false gods and they did not really turn as a whole.
God did however bless Josiah for his own heart turn, his own humility, and his efforts to bring godly reforms to the nation. God did not allow Josiah to see the destruction that would come.
What is amazing is that Josiah knew from this prophecy that his reforms were not going to change the nation, but he still went ahead and did what was right.
It’s not always about ‘results.’ Its about doing right.
1 comment:
Hi Roger,
I just wanted to thank you again for welcoming my friends and me in to your church on Sunday and for the lovely lunch. We really enjoyed ourselves. I will be following your daily reflections. God bless you and the rest of your family in Naas. I pray the Lord will continue to provide happiness, health and prosperity to all of you.
For Christ the King,
Blake
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