How does Josiah's story connect with Romans 13:1 about submitting to authorities? Josiah in a Nutshell • Crowned at eight, reigned thirty-one years (2 Kings 22:1). • “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (2 Kings 22:2). • Repaired the temple, rediscovered the Book of the Law, tore his garments in repentance (2 Kings 22:8-13). • Led Judah in covenant renewal, tore down idols, celebrated an unparalleled Passover (2 Kings 23; 2 Chron 35:16-19). • Later ignored Pharaoh Neco’s warning that God had sent him, fought anyway, and was mortally wounded (2 Chron 35:20-24). Romans 13:1, Front and Center “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God.” Where the Threads Meet • God as the ultimate Source of every level of authority – Josiah bowed to Scripture’s authority the moment it was read (2 Kings 22:11-13). – Romans 13:1 roots earthly authority in God: Josiah’s submission to the Book shows that. • Proper use of delegated authority – Josiah’s reforms illustrate a ruler wielding power to uphold God’s standards, matching Romans 13:3-4 on rulers being “God’s servants for your good.” • Even rulers must stay under authority – Josiah, though king, still owed obedience to God’s broader plan. Pharaoh Neco said, “God has told me to hurry; stop opposing God, who is with me” (2 Chron 35:21). – Josiah refused and died—a sobering echo of Romans 13:2: “Whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who do will incur judgment.” • Scripture reveals when to obey or resist – Josiah destroyed idols because God’s Word clearly condemned them (Deuteronomy 12:3). Compliance with higher authority (God) sometimes clashes with lesser ones, and Scripture settles the tie. – His mistake with Neco was not testing the warning against God’s word and prophetic confirmation, showing the peril of presuming we are above instruction. Take-Home Insights • Authority flows downward from God; staying aligned with His revealed will keeps us within proper boundaries. • Leaders and citizens alike thrive when they treat God’s Word as the highest court of appeal. • Disregarding an authority God has put in place—whether civil, parental, or spiritual—invites consequences, even for the most zealous reformer. • Loyalty to Scripture keeps our submission balanced: fearless in obeying God, humble in relating to every earthly authority He ordains. |
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