[Josiah] would not listen to what Necho had said at God’s command. (2 Chronicles 35:22)
Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Chronicles 35:20-27
20 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. 21 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.” 22 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. 23 Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.” 24 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. 25 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. 26 The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion in accordance with what is written in the Law of the Lord— 27 all the events, from beginning to end, are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
Back when I was driving to university and back home again, the road to our house seemed painfully dull. Because it was long and straight, I found myself driving faster than I should have more than once. First, I was given a warning. Then I received a speeding ticket. Then I was caught a third time in the very same place.
Refusing to listen can have unfortunate consequences. One tragic example of this is from the life of Josiah, a good and faithful king. When Necho, the king of Egypt, marched through Judah's territory to help Assyria in the battle against Babylon, Josiah went out to counter him. Necho sent messengers telling Josiah, "God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me" (2 Chronicles 35:21). God really did send Necho, but Josiah "would not listen to what Necho had said at God's command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo" (V. 22). Josiah was fatally injured in the battle, "and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him" (V. 24).
Josiah, who loved God, discovered that insisting on his own way without taking the time to listen to Him or His wisdom through others never ends well. May God give us the humility we need to always check ourselves and take His wisdom to heart.
Today’s Hymns:
Trust and Obey
Your Will, Your Way
Scripture to Respond:
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
1 John 2:17
The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Reflection:
What do you need God's wisdom for in your life? What will you do to listen to Him today?
Prayer:
Ever wise and loving God, help me to be humble and to listen for Your wisdom today. Thank You that when I ask for wisdom, You give "generously... without finding fault" (James 1:5).
Wong Wai Tung (Chief Executive Officer of The Great Wall Education Foundation)
