Read: 2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:8-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19
Manasseh came home a new man. He reversed all the evil he had done and died in peace. His son, Amon became king and followed in the old ways of his father. He fell deeper and deeper into sin until his own officers killed him. The people of the land killed the officers and put Amon’s son, Josiah on the throne. This is the very Josiah that the prophet named would burn incense upon the altar in Bethel. God split the altar as a sign of his displeasure of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 13.
Even though Josiah was only eight years old and had a father that had been evil, he began to seek the Lord. He led a massive campaign to rid the land of idolatry. In his 18th year as king, he collected the offerings and started repairing the temple. One of the priests found a copy of the law and brought it to the king to read. When Josiah read it, he realized how far they had strayed from following it. He asked the priest to find a prophet to ask what to do. They found a prophetess, Hildiah and asked her. She sent word to Josiah that all the curses he had read would come upon Judah because they had rebelled continuously against him, but Josiah would not see this happen because he had humbled himself and his heart was right.
Josiah had the words of the law read to the people and had them make a covenant to God that they would follow him and his laws. All his days were spent serving the Lord. What a great epitaph!
Paul lists, by name, all the people who had been so faithful and helpful in his ministry. This is like their epitaphs. Just like them, our name is written in God’s book along with all the things we have done for him. One day, it will be read for all to hear.
I pray Paul’s blessing over us today…”May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all.” May the mystery of our Savior be made known to all the nations. Amen.
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