August 5, 2013 (2 Kings 23; 2 Chronicles 35; John 7)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo.” 2 Chronicles 35:22 NLT
Observation: King Josiah did so many wonderful things. When the Book of the Covenant was found in the Temple ruins he turned from all the false gods and reestablished the covenant God had made with the people. He tore down all the idols and completely destroyed them. He read the Book to the people and they committed to be faithful and obey what it stated as well. Yet after all the good Josiah did, he failed to listen when God spoke through another man. Maybe Josiah became proud or puffed up because of all the good he did. Maybe he wouldn’t listen because he was fearful. Either way he failed to seek God about the matter and paid the consequences. Even though Josiah did many good things his family tree was not changed. When he died his son returned to doing evil in God’s sight. When he died Josiah’s grandson did evil as well.
Application: We must be careful not to become distracted by our success or become so puffed up in our commitment to miss God when He speaks. We must never begin to think if God wants us to know something He must speak it to us Himself. God works in mysterious ways and we must learn to discern how and when He speaks. We will never learn to discern His plans if we don’t seek Him. We must consult Him with every question. We must look to Him for all the answers we need. We must trust Him to make the right decision. We must be confident and not fearful. Fear causes us to make costly mistakes, while faith and trust in God propels us to victory.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me everyday. Help me discern the direction You want me to go. Make my ears to hear Your instruction. Strengthen my heart to take courage and be strong trusting You to show me the way to victory. In Jesus name, Amen!