2 King’s chapter 21 verse 8(NIV)
I will not again make the feet of the Israelites wander from the land I gave their ancestors, if only they will be careful to do everything I commanded them and will keep the whole Law that my servant Moses gave them.
2 King’s 22 verses 11-13 (NIV)
When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us. “
Israel was God’s chosen people. He had intended for them to prosper and be an example of His goodness and providence, but that promise was conditional – if only they would be careful to do all that God had commanded. But they didn’t and quickly went their own way too often, even forgetting all about Him. Josiah didn’t have the best example. His father didn’t follow God. However, because of God’s written word, Josiah learned about God’s ways and decrees, and sought to follow them, when he realised how far the people had fallen.
Sometimes people don’t realise that we too have a responsibility to follow God’s ways, by imitating Christ. God did not intend us to do as we please. We are still meant to be living examples of God’s goodness.
Dear Lord,
Help me not to forget Your laws and decrees. Thank You for Your written word that we are blessed to have easy access to. Help me to live out Your statutes and decrees for Your Glory. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.