How can Josiah's actions in 2 Chronicles 35:20 guide our decision-making today? The Scene in 2 Chronicles 35:20 “After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to confront him.” Josiah had just completed a sweeping spiritual reform and temple restoration. The moment feels triumphant—yet, immediately, an international crisis presses in. His next move becomes a pivotal lesson on decision-making. Key Observations from Josiah’s Choice • Spiritual momentum does not guarantee automatic wisdom for the next challenge. • Josiah took initiative without seeking fresh confirmation from the Lord (vv. 21-22 show he even disguised himself to fight, ignoring the warning, “God has ordered me to hurry; stop opposing God, who is with me!”). • A king outside the covenant people (Necho) still carried a legitimate word from God—reminding us that the Lord can speak through unexpected channels. • Overconfidence in past spiritual victories can dull present discernment; Josiah’s godly track record did not exempt him from needing present-tense guidance. • The result of ignoring God’s directive was personal tragedy and national vulnerability (vv. 23-25). Guiding Principles for Our Decisions Today • Seek the Lord afresh every time. Yesterday’s obedience never substitutes for today’s inquiry. – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart…in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) • Test every opportunity—even good-sounding or urgent ones—against God’s revealed will. – Compare 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11. • Remain teachable; God may use unexpected voices to confirm His will. – See Numbers 22:28; John 11:49-51. • Guard against reactionary choices birthed from pride, fear, or presumption. – James 1:19-20; Proverbs 14:12. • Recognize that spiritual warfare often arises right after seasons of victory; stay alert. – 1 Corinthians 10:12; Ephesians 6:11-13. Cross-References: Hearing and Obeying God’s Voice • Isaiah 30:21—“Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously…” • John 10:27—“My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” Putting It into Practice 1. Pause before acting, regardless of past successes. 2. Pray specifically for guidance and confirm with Scripture. 3. Invite counsel from mature believers; evaluate even unlikely messengers. 4. Watch for warning signs—inner unrest, Scriptural conflict, wise counsel resisting. 5. Move forward only when God’s peace, word, and counsel align; otherwise, wait. Josiah’s story reminds us that decisive action is commendable only when it follows divine direction. Staying humbly dependent on God in every decision keeps us from costly detours. |
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