“Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh—all that he did, and the sin that he committed—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 18 So Manasseh rested with his fathers, and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza. Then his son Amon reigned in his place. 19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. 20 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father Manasseh had done. 21 So he walked in all the ways that his father had walked; and he served the idols that his father had served, and worshiped them. 22 He forsook the Lord God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the Lord. 23 Then the servants of Amon conspired against him, and killed the king in his own house. 24 But the people of the land executed all those who had conspired against King Amon. Then the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place.” 2 Kings 21:17-24 NKJV
“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” 2 Chronicles 34:1-2 NKJV
Father God,
Swings and roundabouts it feels like. I wonder what the difference the king made to everyday living. They seem by what we are told to follow the leanings of the KIng. The sinful ones because it called to their indulgence and not having to be concerned with laws? The good God fearing ones I wonder if it was because of the benefits they were told about and the victory over the enemy reforms often brought?
Who do we follow and why? Why follow Jesus? Because of the benefits? Better than a billionaire best friend. A ticket to heaven? A God who will look after us who we can call on when we are sick, worried or in need? A God who can help us sleep nights? Paul says it Lord better than I ever could in Philippians 3:8 “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” It is in knowing You and being known that is of infinite value and all the rest is a bonus? Follow? There is no-one else good enough. and who else welcomes penitent sinners to forgive and love.?
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 6th August 2025
All I once held dear, built my life upon
All this world reveres, and wars to own
All I once thought gain I have counted loss
Spent and worthless now, compared to this
Knowing You, Jesus, Knowing You
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord
Now my heart’s desire is to know You more
To be found in You and known as Yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness
Chorus
Oh, to know the power of Your risen life
And to know You in Your sufferings
To become like You in Your death, my Lord
So with You to live and never die
Knowing You, Jesus, Knowing You
There is no greater thing
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord
You’re my all, You’re the best
You’re my joy, my righteousness
And I love You, Lord
Lyrics: Graham Kendrick