How can we prioritize God's work in our lives like Josiah did? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 34 tells how young King Josiah turned a nation back to God. Verse 17 captures his priority: “They have paid out the money that was found in the house of the LORD and have put it into the hands of the supervisors and workers.” The temple project came first, and every decision flowed from that commitment. Lessons from Josiah’s Example • He acted early—at age sixteen he “began to seek the God of his father David” (v.3). • He acted thoroughly—removing idols, altars, and anything that competed with the LORD (vv.4-7). • He acted strategically—channeling resources into restoring the temple before anything else (v.17). • He acted submissively—tearing his robes when Scripture exposed sin (v.19). • He acted influentially—leading the entire nation into a renewed covenant with God (v.31-33). Redirecting Our Resources • Give first: Proverbs 3:9-10—“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled…” • Serve first: Matthew 6:33—“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” • Schedule first: Ephesians 5:15-16—“Be very careful, then, how you live… making the most of every opportunity…” • Mind first: Colossians 3:2—“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Steps to Prioritize God’s Work Today 1. Identify the “temple” projects in your life—areas God’s Word says must be built up (family worship, church ministry, personal holiness). 2. Channel resources—time, energy, finances—toward those areas before anything discretionary. 3. Clear out idols—habits, media, or relationships that undermine devotion. 4. Stay in Scripture daily; let it expose and correct (Hebrews 4:12). 5. Commit publicly; influence others to join you, just as Josiah gathered Judah (2 Chronicles 34:29-32). The Ongoing Pattern When God’s house and God’s Word come first, everything else finds its proper place. Josiah’s story invites us to hand the “money, supervision, and work” of our lives to the LORD and watch Him rebuild what matters most. |
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