June 28, 2018
2 Kings 22:1-2
Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath.   He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.
New International Version (NIV)
                In the Disney classic, Simba just can’t wait to be King.  But being King is not easy at any age, much less at the age of 8.  Josiah’s father and grandfather had wreaked spiritual havoc with their poor choices.  They were ungodly men trying to lead the people of God.

                When Josiah became King, he had the choice to align with any of his ancestors.  He chose not to be like his father and grandfather but his ancestor David.  This helped him greatly, especially as Hilkiah the High Priest discovered the Book of the Law which had been forgotten.  Josiah heard God’s words and knew they were in trouble.  In Hebrew he said, “Uh-oh.”  Then he called the people to pray to discover what God wanted them to do.

                God also raised up Huldah, a prophet to tell them what to do next.  She encouraged Josiah for his conviction and repentance from the sins of his people.  Following her words, Josiah led his people back to God for a season. 

                In your family tree, too, perhaps there are ancestors who loved God with a pure heart fervently.  There are also ancestors who had no interest in God.  With which ones will you align your life?  Our answer to that question affects not only us but generations that follow.  

 Pray with me:  
Gracious sovereign God, thank you for speaking to us through your word.  Today if we hear your voice, do not let us harden our hearts.   Turn us from our sin back to you again.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 
  This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story.  With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
 
Joyfully, 
 
Duane 
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