2 Chronicles chapter 35 verses 21-25 (NIV)
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 Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.” So they took him out of his chariot, put him in his other chariot and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his ancestors, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the male and female singers commemorate Josiah in the laments. These became a tradition in Israel and are written in the Laments.
Josiah, although for most of his life a Godly king, paid the price for not listening to Pharaoh Necho. His disregard that the Pharaoh was being used by God cost him his life. Why did he not listen? Did he think it was a ruse to trick him, or did he not believe that God would speak to Pharaoh? If he had listened then perhaps there would have been no need for the laments Jeremiah wrote about him for maybe there would still have been work for him to do.
We too need to recognise when God is speaking to us, especially when it comes from an unexpected source. If we are living close to God then we should be able to recognise God’s anointing on his chosen vessel. And if we are uncertain we should ask for clarification and confirmation from the Lord. But we certainly need to be careful not to disregard a message from the Lord – the consequences could be very costly for us too.
Dear Lord,
Help me to recognise Your anointing on Your chosen instrument and thus act on the message that they bring. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.