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Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did [any] arise like him. 2 Kings 23:25 NKJV
Today’s scripture summarizes the life of Judah’s King Josiah. The accolade is even more impressive when you consider his family background.
Josiah’s grandfather Manasseh was an atrocious king who ruled fifty-five years. Son of the wise and good Hezekiah, Manasseh took over at age twelve and basically thumbed his nose at God. He loved to worship false gods, and even sacrificed a son to them. Another son of Manasseh, Amon, was just as evil. After two years, his own servants conspired to assassinate him.
Then something remarkable happened. Amon’s eight-year-old son Josiah became king and shattered the family pattern. “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2). Perhaps his mother, Jedidah, guided him into righteousness. Whatever spurred him on, Josiah turned his toxic genealogy on its head.
Not every family is like Josiah’s, but even the best have their flaws. Happily, with God’s help, no man is bound to fail. You can break the pattern.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a Josiah. May I never turn aside from Your path.
Today’s scripture summarizes the life of Judah’s King Josiah. The accolade is even more impressive when you consider his family background.
Josiah’s grandfather Manasseh was an atrocious king who ruled fifty-five years. Son of the wise and good Hezekiah, Manasseh took over at age twelve and basically thumbed his nose at God. He loved to worship false gods, and even sacrificed a son to them. Another son of Manasseh, Amon, was just as evil. After two years, his own servants conspired to assassinate him.
Then something remarkable happened. Amon’s eight-year-old son Josiah became king and shattered the family pattern. “He did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David, and did not turn aside to the right or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2). Perhaps his mother, Jedidah, guided him into righteousness. Whatever spurred him on, Josiah turned his toxic genealogy on its head.
Not every family is like Josiah’s, but even the best have their flaws. Happily, with God’s help, no man is bound to fail. You can break the pattern.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a Josiah. May I never turn aside from Your path.
