What steps can we take to ensure our actions please God, unlike Jehoiakim's? Setting the Scene “Jehoiakim did evil in the sight of the LORD, just as his fathers had done.” (2 Kings 23:37) One brief sentence summarizes an entire reign—tragically. Instead of walking in the reforms his father Josiah modeled, Jehoiakim pursued self-will, injustice, and idolatry. Scripture records his life so we can purposely choose a different path. What Went Wrong for Jehoiakim • Ignored God’s Word (Jeremiah 36:21-24). He literally cut up the scroll containing God’s warning and threw it into the fire. • Oppressed the vulnerable (Jeremiah 22:13-17). Extravagant building projects funded by forced labor revealed a hard heart. • Trusted political schemes, not the LORD (2 Kings 24:1). He shifted allegiance between Egypt and Babylon instead of trusting God’s covenant promises. Steps to Ensure Our Actions Please God 1. Cultivate holy fear • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) • Remind your heart daily that God sees, weighs, and will judge every deed (2 Corinthians 5:10). 2. Submit wholeheartedly to Scripture • “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) • Read, memorize, and obey; don’t edit, ignore, or rationalize like Jehoiakim. 3. Reject every form of idolatry • Commandment One still stands (Exodus 20:3-4). • “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21) • Anything we prize above God—success, comfort, reputation—must be surrendered. 4. Embrace humility and prompt repentance • “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) • When conviction comes, confess quickly (1 John 1:9). Josiah tore his robes; Jehoiakim tore God’s scroll. Choose Josiah’s posture. 5. Practice covenant obedience daily • “Love the LORD your God with all your heart… These words… shall be on your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6) • Jesus affirmed this as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). Our love is proven by obedience (John 14:15). 6. Surround yourself with godly accountability • “Iron sharpens iron.” (Proverbs 27:17) • Meet regularly with believers who speak truth, encourage holiness, and will confront sin (Hebrews 10:24-25). 7. Steward influence responsibly • “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) • Whether leading a family, class, or company, use authority to serve, protect, and model righteousness. Guardrails for Ongoing Faithfulness • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24) • Consistent prayer for a soft heart (Ezekiel 36:26) • Delighting in corporate worship (Psalm 84:1-2) • Remembering Christ’s atoning work that empowers obedience (Titus 2:11-14) Encouragement for Today Jehoiakim’s legacy warns us, but God’s living Word equips us. By fearing the LORD, treasuring Scripture, rejecting idols, walking in humility, obeying daily, embracing accountability, and stewarding influence, our actions can consistently bring pleasure to the One who redeemed us. |
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