(The video is in French, with English subtitles available.)
Like father, like son … really?
Perhaps many people were wondering what sort of king this 8-year-old boy would be when he ascended his father’s throne. Because when your father’s name is Amon, and he has just been murdered by his servants, and your grandfather’s name is Manasseh, it does not take much to raise questions. Those who were still pious among the people probably had reasons to worry. Maybe that led them to pray for their young sovereign.
Not only Josiah did not fit into what we could consider a family reputation, but quite the contrary, he still remains today a remarkable example of zeal and piety towards God. It reminds us of two things:
—First, we must be careful with appearances and generalizations. When we look at someone, we should not try to see their family or their parents or grandparents. But we must see the person for what he is. God works in everyone’s life and we see in Josiah that no matter the background, He can do wonderful things, all to the glory of His name!
—Next, even with the best privileges and the best education, someone could turn away from God. Manasseh, son of Hezekiah, is a very good example of that. The point is this: everyone is responsible to God for his own choices.
Let us seek the spiritual good of one another, young and old, for the glory of God, encouraging us and helping us to grow at the image of our Lord Jesus, “and by so much the more as ye see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).