What lessons from Josiah's actions can we apply to our decision-making? Josiah’s Misstep at Megiddo: The Snapshot “Josiah, however, did not turn away from him, but disguised himself to fight him. He did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo.” — 2 Chronicles 35:22 A king who had torn down idols, restored the Passover, and walked faithfully with the LORD made one fatal decision. Ignoring a warning “from the mouth of God,” he entered a battle God never asked him to fight. The result was his death and Judah’s swift spiral toward exile. What can we learn for our own decision-making? Lesson 1 — Verify the Voice: Discern God’s Guidance • God can speak through unexpected channels—even a pagan king. • Josiah “did not listen,” assuming Neco’s claim could not be from the LORD. • Cross-reference: John 10:27, “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” We listen first, then act. • Practical takeaway: Before acting, pause and test every message against Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel. Lesson 2 — Seek Counsel, Don’t Assume • Josiah’s earlier reforms were driven by Scripture (2 Chronicles 34:14-19). This time he leaned on his own judgment. • Proverbs 15:22, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Write down plans, invite mature believers to weigh them, and remain teachable even when advice comes from unlikely people. Lesson 3 — Obedience Outweighs Zeal • Josiah’s zeal for righteousness had been commendable, yet zeal detached from obedience becomes presumption. • 1 Samuel 15:22, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • When faced with good opportunities (or good causes), ask: Did God actually direct me here, or am I charging ahead on a “good” but unauthorized mission? Lesson 4 — Hidden Hearts, Visible Outcomes • “Disguised himself to fight.” The outward disguise mirrored an inward self-reliance. • Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” • Guard motives: ambition, fear, or reputation can mask themselves as courage. Let the Spirit expose hidden drivers before they steer a decision. Lesson 5 — Finish Well by Staying Humble • A lifetime of faithfulness can be marred by one proud misstep. • Philippians 3:14 encourages pressing on, but verse 16 reminds us to “live up to what we have already attained.” • End-of-race humility keeps us on the same path that began in dependence on God. Putting It into Practice 1. Begin every major decision with surrendered prayer and Scripture search. 2. Invite at least two mature believers to speak candidly into the choice. 3. Weigh whether the opportunity aligns with God’s revealed will or merely personal enthusiasm. 4. Check motives: ask God to expose pride, fear, or self-interest. 5. Move forward only when the Spirit gives clear peace confirmed by His Word. Josiah’s story is a sobering reminder: even the godliest history does not excuse present-day independence from God. Listen, seek counsel, obey, and finish well. |
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