Daily Devotionals

When Pigs Fly Week 3: Monday

He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. 2 Kings 22:2a

There is a difference between knowing the right thing and actually doing it. For example, eating a balanced diet is essential, but knowing the right foods is different from eating a healthy diet filled with all the necessary nutrients. True wisdom takes the knowledge that we know and puts it into action. This is particularly true when it comes to our relationship with God. The wise person knows what God calls us to do in Scripture and lives it out. The wise person knows God's commands and obeys Him.  

2 Kings tells us about a king who had, even at a young age, the wisdom to obey God and His commands. At just eight years old, Josiah became the King of Judah. Unfortunately, before him was a line of kings who did not obey God. Both his grandfather Manasseh and his father Amon “did evil in the Lord’s sight” (2 Kings 21:20). They faced God's judgment and made many enemies. However, despite the evil influences of his grandfather and father, Josiah was a completely different king. Unlike Manasseh and Amon, Josiah, even at eight years old, “did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight” (2 Kings 22:2). In a cycle of evil kings ruling over Israel, Josiah obeyed God and honored Him. As a result, God was pleased with him. 2 Kings 23:25 says, "Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.” This was an extraordinary king.

If we want to please God and honor Him, we must not only know what He calls us to do and how He calls us to live. We have to do what He says. We have to obey Him. May what was said about Josiah be said of us, that we “did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight.”

Moving toward action

Is there anything you know you should be doing based on what Scripture says but have avoided doing? Bring it to God today. Pray about it. Ask God to help you have the courage to do that thing you know He has been calling you to do.

Going Deeper

2 Kings 22:1-7

"Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. 2 He did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.

3 In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and grandson of Meshullam, the court secretary, to the Temple of the Lord. He told him, 4 "Go to Hilkiah the high priest and have him count the money the gatekeepers have collected from the people at the Lord's Temple. 5 Entrust this money to the men assigned to supervise the restoration of the Lord's Temple. Then they can use it to pay workers to repair the Temple. 6 They will need to hire carpenters, builders, and masons. Also have them buy the timber and the finished stone needed to repair the Temple. 7 But don't require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men."