2 Kings 23:8-23
Verse 22 Neither in the days of the judges who led Israel nor in the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah had any such Passover been observed.
Sadly after King Hezekiah’s reign the historical cycle of the next generation walking away from God took place and 57 years later when young Josiah took the throne, the nation of Judah was back in the throes of worshiping false gods. King Josiah was eight when he took over the nation of Judah but he made up his mind to do things God’s ways.
It seems the people had not only made a mess of the Lord’s Temple but had also damaged it or at least had allowed it to fall into disrepair. It was during a time of rebuilding when a copy of the law was found in the Temple. Upon hearing the law read, King Josiah he tore his clothes in despair. The young king understood the level of sinning they had been doing as a nation and knew they had to get back to following only the Lord. He realized from the law how God must have great anger towards His people for their disobedience and betrayal. They had willingly walked away from Him.
After having such an amazing celebration of the Passover under King Hezekiah that they celebrated it for two weeks, they didn’t make sure the desire for God was passed on to the next generations. Josiah made sure it was understood how important it is to worship God and Him alone, obeying all of His law. God would not let His people go on unpunished forever and the nation needed to see what it meant to obey God, even if it was just for a for a short time so when they were under punishment they wouldn’t forget the joy of celebrating God’s faithfulness.
Due to the clearing out all of the idols, false priests and altars to the false gods, the Passover they celebrated under the young king was the best ever celebrated. Josiah’s desire was to turn the people’s hearts back to the God of Heaven. The king wanted them to remember God had chosen them and it was important for them to love God with all their heart, soul and strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.
Making It Personal
Do you ever find yourself in a cycle of obeying, disobeying and then obeying again? Why do you choose to disobey sometimes? How is disobedience really just a form of idolatry?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you disobey sometimes? Why do you choose to disobey? How does disobeying show you really are wanting to worship yourself?
Closing Prayer
Father, we so easily allow selfish thinking into our hearts and lives. We may not see ourselves as self-worshiping but if we aren’t worshiping You with our heart, mind, soul and strength that is exactly what we are doing. Please gives us eyes to see the truth when we make choices based on self instead of You. In Jesus’ name, amen.