2 Kings 22:2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father… Of the young king, whose piety is thus described, it is also said in another place (2 Kings 23:25), "And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might" according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. I. THE PIETY OF JOSIAH AS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE POWER OF A GOOD EXAMPLE. "He walked in all the ways of David his father." Few influences are more powerful than that of example. The child imitates his parent; the schoolboy his classmate; the youth his playfellows; and so on through every stage of life. Note in what recorded actions of Josiah there were marks of an imitation of David's example. 1. The first of these in order of time was his attachment to God's house, and his devotion to God's service. 2. His love to the. Word of God. Turn to the narrative in 2 Chronicles 34:14-21. David said of the man who is blessed, that "his delight is in the law of the Lord." There is no book more valuable to the young, 3. His reverence for godly men (2 Kings 23:15-18). We know enough of David's life to recognise in this respect for a man of God an imitation of his example. The servants are to be revered; to be "esteemed very highly for their works' sake." Goodness is always worthy of regard; and he who does not respect it tells us that he has no goodness in himself to be respected. II. THE PIETY OF JOSIAH AS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE STRICT INTEGRITY OF GODLINESS. "He turned not aside to the right hand, nor to the left. The man of the world may turn his creed and shape his course according to the fashion of the varying hour"; but not the Christian. He must bear in mind the words of wisdom: "Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee." 1. Josiah was not influenced by the force of ancient custom, when that custom ran counter to the course pointed out by conscience. 2. He was not influenced by any feeling of false shame. When the book of the law was found and read before him, he rent his clothes, feeling that he was a sinner. III. THE PIETY OF JOSIAH ILLUSTRATES THE COURSE OF LIFE THAT ENSURES DIVINE APPROVAL. "He did that which was right in the sight of the Lord." It is comparatively easy to pursue a course that seems right to ourselves, or that may secure the applause of the world. It is a widely different matter so to live as to ensure the approval and commendation of God. 1. By far the greater part of men seem to live for self. They have no care or consideration for others. Selfishness is the vilest principle that ever spread in this world. 2. Others care most about the approval of the world. These are selfish coo. It is because that applause is gratifying to their selfish vanity. The man who would lick the dust to secure the favour of a fellow-mortal would sacrifice his dearest friend to gain. 3. They only are godlike who do and love that which is holy and true; who live not for themselves, but for others and for God. Application — Have an object in life! Live! Do not be content with mere existence. Remember, there is but one unfailing condition of true greatness and that is goodness. (Frederic Walstaff.) Parallel Verses KJV: And 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. |
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