What can we learn about obedience from Josiah's actions in 2 Chronicles 35:23? The Scene of 2 Chronicles 35:23 “Archers shot King Josiah, and he said to his servants, ‘Take me away, for I am badly wounded!’” A Lifetime of Faith Meets a Moment of Misstep - Josiah had restored temple worship and led national revival (2 Chronicles 34:29-33). - Pharaoh Neco warned that the battle at Megiddo was not Josiah’s to fight, speaking “from the mouth of God” (2 Chronicles 35:21). - Josiah “did not listen” (v. 22); the arrow in v. 23 became the immediate consequence. Lessons on Obedience Drawn from the Arrow • Consistent obedience must include the final stretch. – Earlier faithfulness does not exempt anyone from the need to heed a fresh word from God (Ezekiel 33:12-13). • God’s warnings carry the same weight as His promises. – Ignoring a divine caution invites discipline (Hebrews 12:6). • Obedience protects; disobedience exposes. – Josiah’s disguise could not shield him once he stepped outside revealed will, illustrating Proverbs 21:30. • Spiritual passion must stay tethered to God’s specific direction. – Zeal untethered from listening becomes presumption (cf. Romans 10:2). • Consequences may be swift, even for the godly. – The arrow was instant; yet God’s covenant love remained, since Josiah “was buried in the tombs of his fathers” with national mourning (2 Chronicles 35:24-25). Key Takeaways for Today’s Walk - Keep a posture of continual listening; yesterday’s guidance is not always today’s assignment. - Test every impulse—especially ones fueled by righteous zeal—against clear scriptural principles and any timely warnings God sends. - Remember that obedience is not merely avoiding sin but actively aligning with God’s present direction. - Trust and submission bring protection; self-directed choices, even with noble motives, can open the door to unnecessary pain. Scriptures That Reinforce the Principle • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • Deuteronomy 28:1-2 – “If you will diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God… all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you…” Living the Lesson Continual, attentive obedience honors God, guards the believer, and spares from needless wounds. Josiah’s arrow reminds every follower that finishing well means listening well—right up to the final command. |
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