Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco king of Egypt went up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle. But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What quarrel is there between you and me, O king of Judah? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you.” Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Neco had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo. Archers shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.” So they took him out of his chariot, put him in the other chariot he had and brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. Jeremiah composed laments for Josiah, and to this day all the men and women singers commemorate Josiah in the laments.
– 2 Chronicles 35:20-25a
Devotion
Following the story of Josiah’s death, we read of the lamentation of the people. Josiah had evidently made himself greatly loved by them, and the probability is that the reforms he instituted were based on that love rather than on the people’s real return to devotion to God. Josiah is an example of a life well lived. His life is also an example of what it means to be totally devoted to God. The end result is that he earned the love and respect of those he was called to lead.
The Big Question
How would those closest to you characterize your life? Would they say your life was well lived? Would they point out your devotion to Christ? We all want to leave some kind of legacy in this world! What will your legacy be?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what you have learned today.