Josiah rules and God is pleased

II Kings Chapter 22

Josiah reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years. He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and followed the example of his ancestor David.

In the eighteenth year of his reign Josiah sent Shaphan to the Temple and told him to have Hilkiah the high priest count the money the gatekeepers had collected from the people. He wanted the priest to entrust this money to the men assigned to supervise the Temple's restoration and use it to pay the workers. They also needed money to hire carpenters and masons and for material and timbers needed for repair. The construction supervisors were not to account for the money they received, because they were honest.

Hilkiah the high priest told Shaphan that he found the Book of Law in the Lord's temple, and he gave the scroll to Shapan and he read it. Shephan returned to the king and the king read the Book of Law and tore his clothes in despair. He ordered the priest and others to pray at the Temple and speak to the Lord and ask about the Lord's burning anger against them for not obeying the words in the scroll.

Hilkiah the priest and others went to consult with the prophet Huldah. She told them that the Lord had spoken and would destroy the city and its people, just as stated in the scroll because they had worshiped pagan gods. "But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the Lord and tell him: This is what the Lord, God of Israel says concerning the message you have heard; Your were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city, that its people and this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. So I have indeed heard your, says the Lord. I will not send the promised disaster against this city until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this place." So they took her message back to the king.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: Josiah was only eight years old when he began to reign and was such a rare person who obeyed God completely. When he heard the truths of God's law, he instituted reforms to bring his nation into harmony with God's law.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? When Josiah tore his clothes upon realizing how corrupt his nation had become, God granted him mercy. We don't tear our clothes today, but we weep and make apologies and try to demonstrate our sincerity when we repent. The hardest part of repentence is changing the attitudes that originally produced the sinful behavior. Josiah was King and could institute changes in his nation. You and I are just people trying to do the same thing. We must continue to try and make others see and to change hearts and minds. We needn't be kings. God will help us in our quest.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
My niece Suzanne who was in a terrible car accident and is in the hospital with many broken bones. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
Pray for the soul of Bryan and for his family and friends. He was killed in a motorcycle accident Sunday night/Mon a.m.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.