Devotional:Reforms Are Limited:2 Kings 23:21-27

“However, the LORD did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath with which His anger burned against Judah because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had proved Him” (2 Kings 23:26, NASB).

Every four years Americans elect a president. Many people in America were filled with joy when Joe Biden won the election against President Donald Trump. People were convinced that great things were about to take place in our country. The economy would be better. The COVID-19 pandemic would be effectively removed as a threat to the lives of the people. Relationships with former allies that President Trump had separated the nation from would be reestablished. Social justice and gender equality would be realized. When Joe Biden became president things would be better for all Americans.

Joe Biden began his presidency by initiating reforms. He used the power of the office of president to make needed changes. He signed bills passed by congress that promised improvements in the lives of the people. The nation soon learned that the reforms of the president were limited in their effectiveness and their duration. The president’s approval rating began to drop to new all time lows. Should we as Christians be surprised? Are all the problems that we face a matter of failure on the part of the president? Can we learn anything from the scriptures?

The Books of First and Second Kings along with the Books of First and Second Chronicles record event that took place in Israel after the death of King David. These books tell us about the events that took place in Israel under the reigns of the various kings. As we read about these kings we learn that some tried to establish the nation as a godly nation that worshiped the Lord as their only God. Other kings allowed and even promoted the worship of the gods of the native people that lived in the land. King Josiah was the last king that ruled in Judah that brought about reforms that were intended to establish the Book of the Law as the authority by which Judah was to live before God. Second Kings 22-23:28 and Second Chronicles 34-35:27 tell his story.

The reforms that Josiah made are remarkable. Josiah brought about sweeping changes in Judah. As one reads through his story they will likely conclude that Josiah was one of the great kings of Israel (Judah). However, Josiah was killed in battle by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt in battle (2 Chronicles 35:20-26; 2 Kings 23:34-37). Josiah was succeeded on the throne by his son Joahaz. The reforms that Josiah made were short lived. The people returned to their worship of the idols. God allowed Israel to be taken into exile by the Babylonians. They would remain in captivity for seventy years as the Lord had said.

Reforms are limited because reforms do not change the hearts of people. People may publicly follow the reforms, but lasting change take place only when the hearts of people are transformed (Romans 12:1-3). Reforms are good for awhile, but reforms are limited.

Prayer: Father, we want to have Your Spirit and Your word in our hearts. Amen.