Shalom Dear Brothers and Sisters A Little Child Shall Lead Them As I was reading in 2 Kings 22 I marveled at the age of Josiah. He had been raised by an ungodly father yet at eight years old the Scripture says, "and he did what was right in the eyes of Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn to the left nor to the right" vs.2. Even at the age of eight and prior to that his mother must have told him that King David had a great passion and love for the Lord and followed the Lord God in all his ways. She must have taught him all of David's exploits and how God delivered him and was with him always. Otherwise how could he have known and why would the Scriptures say that he (Josiah) walked in the ways of his father David. So many things spoke to me in this story on the life of Josiah. It gave me hope for my grandchildren and still for my children as well that one day they too will return to the Lord. It also made me recognize the importance of being a good representative of God. It reminded me of something a pastor's wife once told us. She was talking to us about witnessing and the fact that we are witnesses whether we want to be or not, if we profess to be believers in Messiah Yeshua. I never forgot those words it wasn't just a matter of handing out tracks rather it was a lifestyle and choices made that the world sees. This is what our legacy will be. Yes King David was a man after God's own heart and because of that just a few short generations later King Josiah would rise up and restore Israel to her God. At the young age of 18, 10 years into his reign the Lord God placed into his hands the book of laws. Otherwise known as the Torah the books of Moses. His heart was broken as he read and studied the books and just how far they had fallen away from God. So it was King Josiah reinstated the feast and festivals and all the mitzvahs and commandments of the God of Israel. He tore down the high places and had all the idols and alters to other gods removed. He rebuilt Temple and for 40 years the children of Israel were obedient to God. King Josiah left a great legacy sadly it did not extend into the next generation. For us we live in a day and age where lawlessness and all sorts of iniquity are tolerated and accepted. They are the norm of everyday life. This is why it is so important for us to be set apart to stay close to our God, the God of Israel and her Messiah Yeshua. We need to be ones that are obedient and loving at the same time. We need to be different so the world will see and know that there is a God in heaven who loves them! So they too can come to repentance and have eternal life. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life" Jon 3:16. It's one thing to put it on a plaque and wave it at a sports event but it's another thing to put it into action! To go and hang out and help feed the poor and homeless. This is what speaks of love. The world wants action not lip service. As a matter of fact I think the Father does also. I know for myself I fall so short thank God for the mercy seat. More importantly thank God for the Holy Spirit who gives us the strength and guidance to convict us and show us where and what to do! Just as Josiah at the age of eight began to seek God with all of his heart when he was old enough to have clear understanding God gave him His written Torah so that he could fully walk in the ways of the Lord. He will do the same for us if we diligently seek His Face.
B'Shem Yeshua Hamashiach, Amen In His Love, Theresa
|
Mail your tax deductible checks ( Make the check to Isralite Ministries( USA)
For Credit Card and Paypal please click here Blessings Paul |