July 3

With All His Heart, Soul and Strength

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 144:1-8 | 2 Kings 22:3-23:30 | Acts 21:37-22:16 | Proverbs 18:11-12

Today’s Scripture Focus: 2 Kings 23

“Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses”  (2 Kings 23:25 NIV).

Reading through the book of Second Kings can get tiring. Again and again we see Kings who fail to live up to the calling of their position. Again and again we see people more than willing to follow the compromising example of their leaders. Some of the kings were worse than others, but all told it was a sorry lot. But there are a few bright spots, and Josiah is one of the brightest.

Josiah called for a return to Torah—a return to the covenant God had made with his people. He had the unique distinction of being a ruler who turned to the LORD “with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength.”

After years of evil Kings who refused to lead the people away from the idolatry and compromise back to the covenant God had made with his people, finally Josiah arose and called the people back to himself. While his reforms would not prove sufficient to hold back the judgment of God that has already been declared—Josiah stands tall as a light in the darkness: A man who loved God with all his heart and soul and with all his strength.

God is looking for leaders like Josiah, those who will turn to him—who will worship and serve him with all the heart and soul and all the strength they have. Will he find such a person in you?

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to follow you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength. Give me a heart to love and worship you with such commitment. Amen.