Read: 2 Chronicles 34:1-7
And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. (v. 2)
During his lifetime, Romo Mangun showed a humble spiritual life. An Indonesian priest, he chose to live on the edge of the Code River to be closer to the poor. He fought to defend people whose homes were being evicted to make way for Kedungombo Reservoir, and he developed better housing for people in the slums. He established a school so that underprivileged people could get a good education. When Romo Mangun passed away, many people from different backgrounds felt a loss. He did what was right, despite difficulty and opposition.
That’s what we see in the life of Josiah. Although he was only eight years old, King Josiah sought the God of David, his ancestor, and undertook spiritual reform. He first acted decisively against any deviation from God’s commands by destroying all the places of idol worship in Jerusalem. The altars of Baal were torn down, and the idol poles and carved images were destroyed. Josiah purged Judah and Jerusalem of all that was unworthy of God. He acted righteously and did not turn aside to the right or to the left, so that he pleased the Lord.
Being a role model in faith and spiritual life is not always easy. It all begins with a desire to put God above all else and to get rid of everything that displeases God. Josiah’s example, and Romo Mangun’s, encourages us to have the courage to act decisively as we follow God.
As you pray, ask God for the courage to do what is right in his eyes.
Melani Ajub Egneis a pastor of Agus Salim Indonesian Christian Church in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia. This devotional was previously published in Wasiat, a bi-monthly daily devotional for families, produced by Words of Hope ministry partners in Indonesia. Learn more about Words of Hope's work in Indonesia.
