2 Chronicles Chapter 35: Verses 20-22 (NIV)
After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Necho king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle.
But Necho sent messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”
Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.
Josiah had done so well. But this final chapter of his life is a reminder to us to be careful when making judgements and never make assumptions. Perhaps, with the Book of the Law so fresh in his mind. Josiah couldn’t believe that God would speak to a King of Egypt, or that a king of Egypt would listen to what God said. That was to cost him his life.
There’s an important lesson for us in that. Recently it has been reported in the media that a so called “celebrity” with a bit of a notorious past has become a Christian and has gone through a public water baptism. In some Christian circles there is scepticism about how genuine this decision is. Time will tell if there is fruit from this decision. After all, the Bible tells us that John the Baptist was sceptical when scribes and Pharisees came to be baptised and he told them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8) Whilst it is right at times to exercise caution, we also need to be careful not to judge. Are we saying that this person’s past is so bad that God can’t change him? I hope not. I pray that he gets wise counsel and support from a healthy church, and that his life does indeed become a testimony of how God can change a life who decides to repent and come to Him. And its up to God who He chooses to make His mouthpiece. After all, didn’t He make Balaam’s donkey speak?
Christians are meant to exercise discernment and wisdom. If we are wary and uncertain, we can ask God for confirmation, but we need to be very certain about choosing to ignore something that is said to have come from God. We are blessed now as Christians to have the Holy Spirit to guide us in such matters.
Dear Lord,
Grant me wisdom and discernment to recognise Your voice, no matter who You choose to use as Your mouthpiece. And help me to be careful about making judgements about others who claim to have been changed by You. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.