This chapter introduces King Josiah, son of Amon (great grandson of Hezekiah) who does what is right in the eyes of the Lord. The book of the law is found and he repents, leading Judah according to God’s commands.
” ‘ “Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. But to the king of Judah… because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord… and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you… Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.” ‘ “
Josiah, upon reading the book of the law realizes that his forefathers have sinned greatly, and God’s wrath will come upon the people. God, through a prophetess, promises Josiah that he will not live to see that wrath because he has been obedient and penitent before God (he even restored the temple).
God makes us a similar promise today – Paul says “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” (Rom 11:1a,2a,5) God has saved a remnant of His people, those who remained loyal and obedient to Him under the law (the Old Covenant), such as Josiah. Those of us today who remain loyal and obedient will also be saved by the grace available to us through Jesus (under the New Covenant).
Because God is loving, He longs to spare everyone from His wrath. He gave us the law, and then Jesus as a way to grant forgiveness of sin and restoration for our souls. We, like Josiah, will be spared from the wrath that is reserved for the judgement of sin (because our sin is forgiven / cleansed). Let’s praise God for His grace and mercy are great, and they have overcome our sin and its just punishment (wrath and death).
Father God, our Benevolent and Loving Lord, You are generous and compassionate beyond description. We praise You for your abundant grace and mercy embodied in Jesus and His loving sacrifice. Thank you for the forgiveness made available to us, and the fact we are no longer recipients of Your wrath. Father may we share this good news with anyone who will listen, and may You make them a member of Your loyal remnant. We honor, praise, and glorify Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training