Last month we were considering the fine start which Josiah made when he became king. This month, with the Lord’s help, we shall notice how he went on in devotedness, “He turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” 2 Kings 22:22And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. (2 Kings 22:2).
In the eighteenth year of his reign, he began to be exercised about the condition into which the house of God had fallen. It was in ruins, but that did not discourage him. It rather made him feel his responsibility, and so he started to find a way of repairing it. He might have said, “Well, it’s not my fault”, but he didn’t! He acted before God, and sought His glory.
Is the testimony to the truth very weak in the place where you live? Are there only a few meeting together according to God’s Word? Are you discouraged about it, or are you exercised like Josiah to “repair the breaches thereof?” Josiah did not build a new house, or start something new. No, he repaired the old one because it was built in the very place where God wanted it. It was in the place where the Lord had chosen to place His Name there (see Deut. 12:55But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: (Deuteronomy 12:5)), and no other place would do.
Dear young Christian, don’t step out of the path of obedience because things are weak, God’s Word never changes, and it is ever the believer’s perfect guide. You can be like Josiah, and “repair the the breaches of the house of the Lord.” You can go on faithfully, and encourage others to do the same. Josiah used the silver that was in the Lord’s house, to purchase the materials necessary to make these repairs. Are we using what God has given us—our “talents”, our money, or whatever we have, to help in the Lord’s work? There was work in the Lord’s house, for “carpenters, and builders, and masons.” Yes, and there is a place and part today for brothers and sisters, both young and old. The question is, are we willing to do our part? Too often we are like Peter who asked the Lord, “What shall this man do?” He was more concerned about what John should do, than about his own path, and the Lord replied, “What is that to thee? follow thou Me,” John 21:21,2221Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. (John 21:21‑22). May He help each of us to follow Him more devotedly!
Perhaps there were other buildings which looked more attractive than the ruined house of the Lord, but not to the heart of Josiah who wanted to walk in the ways of the Lord. Oh, for more Josiahs among our dear young people! Those who are energetically seeking the Lord’s glory, and going on faithfully for Him.
“Howbeit, there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand, because they dealt faithfully.” What a lovely comment about those who helped in this work! Each one gave to the Lord, knowing that although others might not appreciate their efforts, nor realize how freely they were giving—the Lord knew, and that was all that mattered! It is nice to have others appreciate our efforts, and we should try to encourage one another, but if we do not get their thanks, let us go on faithfully just the same. God will never forget to make any entries in His “book of remembrance!” Here is a word of encouragement from the Lord for us all, “God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward His Name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Heb. 6:1010For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. (Hebrews 6:10).
ML 11/30/1947