Friday, September 15, 2023

2 Chronicles 35 "Refrain From Meddling"

"What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I (king Necho) have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you.” (v.21)

Josiah was a great leader, but he died seemingly unnecessarily because he got involved in a needless battle, a battle that was not his. Why he did not heed the word of warning from king Necho of Egypt, the Scriptures do not tell us. Maybe he was looking for a reason to fight against Babylonians at Carchemish, maybe he just wanted to go to war, or maybe he was not going to let some Egyptian tell him, a Jew, what God’s will was (pride). Nevertheless, Josiah, a great man, who did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, and followed in the footsteps of his father David, became entangled in a fight that was not his, and he paid for it with his life.

Oh that we might learn from him and not meddle in needless affairs, debates, gossip, or political opinions of others. Instead, that we would fight against the feeling we have to have an opinion on everything, weigh in on every discussion, or get involved in every debate. It can only led to strife, disappointment, and maybe even like Josiah, an unnecessary mortal wound. The scriptures tell us in James, "The wisdom from above is first pure (no motive), then peaceable and gentle, easy to accept (no strife), full of mercy and good fruit (a blessing)", that's how we know it's from heaven.

A word of advice, have a light touch with the world and its crusades, do not be drawn into its endless or senseless debates. But, be in touch with God and be open to His leading in your life through His Holy Word. You don't have to fight every battle,

The Truth: “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)