Condensed Milk, Condensed Soup, Condensed Books. We like all sorts of things that are condensed, consolidated, compressed, abridged or abbreviated. Make it short. make it quick. Whatever saves time. Whatever gets to the bottom line. The condensed version of King Josiah's life is found in a single sentence. Thirty-one words in one verse sum up the essence of his entire life: He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or the left." Amazing! Concise! Josiah walked the path of righteousness with out swerving.
Josiah became King at age 8 (3rd grade!) and reigned until his death at 39. His father and grandfather both reigned over Judah before him. Both did "evil in the eyes of the Lord" (2 Kings 21:20). Despite his evil legacy, Josiah turned his heart toward God. And although Judah, the nation he ruled had turned to worship false gods, Josiah did not waver in his allegiance to the one true God. No other king before or after him stayed on course like Josiah.
If you life were condensed into a short synopsis-one brief sentence-what would be said of you? How our lives are summarized depends on the choices we make each day. We have the tendency to become distracted with the cares and responsibilities of life. Laundry piles up. Bills need to be paid. Children get sick. As we care for our families and do our work, it's easy to become sidetracked form our primary purpose: pleasing God. It is easier to give lip service to spiritual things than to stay on the course, keeping in step with the Spirit. ( See Galatians 5:25).
How will you be remembered? Eventually someone will write your obituary or eulogy. Your life will be abridged into a few brief sentences and paragraphs. What will be said of you? More important, how will God summarize your life?
Let it be said of you " ________(fill in your name) did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in the way of truth, not turning aside to the right or to the left."
Some related reading:
Want to read more about Josiah? Check out 2 Kings 23:8-25.
Psalm 26:1-3 Isaiah 30:19-26 Galatians 5:25
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When I read this devotion this week it one reminded me of Pastor Terry's Sermon and two made me think a little. What will be said of me when I am gone. Do I do what is pleasing to God? I hope it will challenge you as it has challenged me!
Have a Beautiful Day!
Christina
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