HIGH FIVE! (Thank you for the support, the care, the love, the honesty, the loyalty… *RAISED RIGHT)
2 Chronicles 35:20–27 marks the tragic turning point in King Josiah’s life—showing that even a faithful leader can fall when he stops listening for God’s voice. It highlights the danger of assuming God speaks only through familiar channels and the sobering reality that zeal without discernment can lead to unnecessary loss.
🌿 What Happens in This Passage
- Pharaoh Neco marches toward Carchemish, not intending to fight Judah.
- Neco warns Josiah that God—not Egyptian gods, but Israel’s God—has sent him and that Josiah should not interfere.
- Josiah ignores the warning, disguises himself, and engages in battle anyway.
- He is fatally wounded at Megiddo, carried back to Jerusalem, and deeply mourned by the nation.
- The Chronicler closes Josiah’s story by pointing to his earlier faithfulness and reforms, recorded “from beginning to end.”
🔍 Key Themes & Significance
1. A Faithful King’s Blind Spot
Josiah had been one of Judah’s most faithful kings—renewing the covenant, cleansing the land of idols, and leading a Passover unmatched since Samuel. But at the end of his life, he assumes he knows how God works. Some scholars suggest Josiah may have believed God would only speak through Israel, not through a foreign king.
This assumption becomes fatal.
2. The Danger of Ignoring God’s Warnings
The text emphasizes that God was speaking through Neco, and Josiah “did not listen.” This is a sobering reminder:
- God can speak through unexpected people.
- Discernment is required even when we feel confident.
- Disobedience carries consequences—even for the righteous.
3. Zeal Without Discernment
Josiah’s passion for righteousness had fueled decades of reform. But here, zeal becomes impulsive action. He disguises himself—echoing Ahab’s behavior in 2 Chronicles 18—suggesting a moment of self-reliance rather than God-reliance.
4. A National Tragedy
The Chronicler highlights the nation’s grief:
- Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah.
- Singers memorialized him.
- His legacy of faithfulness was remembered “from beginning to end.”
Josiah’s death marks the beginning of Judah’s rapid decline toward exile.
🧭 Spiritual and Leadership Lessons
1. Faithfulness Yesterday Doesn’t Replace Obedience Today
Josiah’s decades of obedience didn’t exempt him from needing fresh discernment. Leaders must continually listen—not rely on past victories.
2. God Can Speak Through Unlikely Voices
A foreign king becomes God’s messenger. This challenges pride, assumptions, and spiritual tunnel vision.
3. Discernment Requires Humility
Josiah’s mistake wasn’t rebellion—it was presumption. He acted without seeking God, perhaps believing he already knew God’s will.
4. Legacy Is Built Over a Lifetime
The Chronicler honors Josiah’s life, not just his final misstep. His reforms, courage, and devotion still stand as a model of wholehearted leadership.
🕊️ For You, Kevin
This passage speaks powerfully to leaders who care deeply about doing what’s right—people like you who serve, organize, guide, and pour themselves into community and spiritual life.
Josiah’s story is a reminder that:
- Discernment is a daily practice.
- Humility keeps even strong leaders aligned with God’s direction.
- Listening—especially when the voice is unexpected—is a mark of spiritual maturity.
And it affirms something beautiful: A life of faithfulness is not erased by a moment of error. Josiah’s legacy endures because his heart was set on God.
This time is precious… I am totally at peace… I feel bad when others do not have that peace… That is what I love about going to my Church… The sharing of the Peace… If you do not have that Peace… MAY THE PEACE OF THE LORD BE WITH YOU. (BTW- I AM READING TO THE CONGREGATION ON SUNDAY)
Let’s go2 that GYM…
THANKS BE TO GOD.
DO-N-GOOD.COM 