"Before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him." 2 Kings 23:25
Our verse is referring to King Josiah who became king of Judah after his father’s assassination at eight years of age. In 2 Kings 22:2 we read:
"He did right in the sight of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David, nor did he turn aside to the right or left."
At eighteen years of age he is found restoring the temple, and the book of the law is recovered. When Josiah hears the Word of God he truly repents and is deeply grieved by their disobedience to God. In chapter 23:3 we read:
"The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart, and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. All the people entered into the covenant."
Oh for leaders like Josiah! But the truth is we are all leaders in one way or another. We must each one make the same covenant with our God as Josiah did for our nation to become holy as Judah became, and then reaped the blessings. Then Josiah immediately began reforming his nation. He tore down and destroyed all false gods, and removed the prevading evil and corruption. He cleaned house! Drained the swamp…
My we learn from Josiah’s well lived life, and take the same actions in our own lives that we might become the leaders God has called each one of us to be in whatever degree that may be. If you claim His name your are called to be His ambassador. (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) Every nation has an ambassador who represents that country. Let us realize the incredible honor and responsibility of representing the God we serve.
Finally, as we read again, 2 Kings 23:25 may we be challenged to live our lives to earn a reputation for God’s glory as Josiah did. Then let us pray for our president and leaders of our great nation today to have the spirit of Josiah. If we all together choose to obey the laws of God, which is far superior to any created by man, then we might return to the great nation that was once founded upon religious freedom to do just that! Let us take back our one nation under God as our forefathers fought and died for!
In His love.
Teresa Roberts
Masterpiece Fitness
276-237-6680
Here are a few shots taken on a bike ride this week on the Virginia Creeper Trail from Abingdon to Damascus, Va. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and joys of summer alas!
