Fools Do NOT Listen, Wise Ones Do!

2Chron 35: We love the story of the boy king Josiah but then at the end of his life he acted as we say “stupidly.” He had all that God could and would give him…if he asked…but he did NOT! He went to pick a fight with Pharaoh Necho without consulting God. Have I ever done that? For sure I have and perhaps you have as well. Why is it that we are such a slow-to-learn person? Is it pride? Is that we are impatient? What is the lesson? Stepping out ahead of God is not the wisest thing to do and Josiah paid with his life because of it. God knew from eternity past what Josiah would do but he was even gracious to give him what we call an “out.” He allowed that unbeliever Pharaoh Necho to speak words of counsel but Josiah, in his stubbornness; that is really what it was, disregarded that counsel. End of the story, an archer’s arrow found him and brought about his death. What can I /you learn? 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding…he will make your paths straight” [Prov 3:5] Sometimes God is gracious but not always as we see in Josiah’s case.