How can we apply the people's decision-making process to our own lives? Setting the Scene • “Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz son of Josiah and made him king in Jerusalem in place of his father.” (2 Chronicles 36:1) • Following righteous King Josiah’s death, the nation faced a leadership vacuum. Without delay, ordinary citizens chose Josiah’s younger son, Jehoahaz, to reign. Scripture’s precise record invites us to watch their process and measure our own. Observing Their Decision • Swift action: the people “took” Jehoahaz—no waiting, debating, or praying is mentioned. • Popular preference: Jehoahaz was likely seen as likable and decisive, yet his short rule (v. 2–4) shows popularity alone cannot sustain godly leadership. • Missing element: the text is silent on seeking the LORD; contrast Josiah, who had “inquired of the LORD” (2 Kings 22:13). Timeless Lessons • A decision may be legal and popular yet spiritually shallow. • Momentum can feel urgent, but urgency is not the same as wisdom. • God records this choice to remind us: any plan that sidelines Him invites instability. Practical Steps for God-Honoring Choices 1. Pause and pray before acting. – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD… He will make your paths straight.” 2. Examine motives. – Galatians 1:10: pleasing God outweighs pleasing people. 3. Weigh character over convenience. – 1 Samuel 16:7: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 4. Seek counsel from grounded believers. – Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” 5. Align the outcome with Scripture. – Psalm 119:105: God’s Word lights the path, exposing missteps before they happen. Additional Scriptural Anchors • James 1:5 — ask for wisdom; God gives generously. • Psalm 32:8 — the LORD promises personal guidance. • Isaiah 30:21 — “This is the way; walk in it,” when we are ready to listen. Living It Out Today • Begin each choice—big or small—with a deliberate pause to acknowledge God. • Write out the relevant biblical principles before finalizing plans. • Invite a trusted brother or sister to speak truth if impulse starts to override discernment. • Review outcomes regularly, celebrating when God’s guidance proves sound and correcting course when human popularity swayed the decision. By letting the people’s hasty selection in 2 Chronicles 36:1 mirror back our own tendencies, we gain a practical roadmap: slow down, seek the LORD, surround ourselves with counsel, and submit every decision to the unchanging Word. |