2 Kings 19-23
H - "Before [Josiah] there was no king like him, who turned to Yahweh with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Torah of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him." - 2 Kings 23:25
E - Hezekiah was a good king. Manasseh and Amon were horrible kings. Josiah was a great king. When Josiah first heard the words of the Book of the Torah, he tore his clothes (2 Kings 22:11). This showed his heart attitude toward God. He was 26 years old at the time (2 Kings 22:1, 3).
A - Father, I want to be a great believer, husband, father, and elder-pastor in your sight, like Josiah. I don't know what will happen after me. But I want to be faithful in my own generation. How am I doing? How can I be more like Josiah?
R - "Notice how Josiah took decisive action. He set his heart on the right thing to do and did it. It came from deep within him. It started with his positive heart attitude toward me. From there it built into zeal and decisiveness. Out of loyalty to my revealed word he acted. He was a culture warrior. He used his position and influence for the good of nation. He did not compromise with my adversaries. To be like Josiah, you have to develop a hearty zeal and decisiveness for me. You have to be willing to make clearcut decisions. You must have utmost integrity in your private life. You must view history theologically, not economically or politically. You must aim at the heart of things."
P - Father, thank you for the account of Josiah in Scripture. He truly was an amazing man. He stood against the tide and held back your wrath for a generation. We know your wrath is coming again upon earth, including upon New Zealand. But perhaps we are in a position to hold it back using our influence for good. There is no culture war in New Zealand. We Bible-believing Christians are few, and we don't band together very well to present a clear front against our cultural opponents. Very few take a hard stand on the clear teaching of your Word. There is so much skepticism in the Church when it comes to your word. Few take your word seriously. It seems to be much like the days of Josiah. I pray that we will rediscover your word and destroy idolatry in our lives and in our land. I know New Zealand is not Israel. But I would still like to see a cultural renewal here based on relationship with you, the authority of Scripture, and the gospel message of Jesus. May there be no wedge driven between your word and the gospel message. I feel there are some who want to spread the gospel without adherence to Scripture. It just doesn't work. It produces weakness in the Church. Father, you know these things. Thank you for listening, and please give us wisdom...especially to those who love your word.
- Jeff Coleman