War "in peace"

"What is the chief end of man?

To glorify God and to enjoy him forever."

The Shorter Catechism

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This week the Holy Spirit reminded me of the story of King Josiah. Below is a article that I had written over a year ago that clearly illustrates the story of King Josiah and it's spiritual significance to modern day expectations. You see just because we believe that X, Y or Z will happen, God may actually have other plans in mind for each one of us.

War “in peace”
April 3, 2007

Iranian Shiites have a messianic hope for a righteous ruler to return know as the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam who someday will return to establish justice according to Allah’s will. President Ahmadinejad glory is in his shame for his mind is on earthly things as he tries to muddy the waters. War is his desire so that he can rid the world of infidels and bring forth this messianic event. This is why Iran has carefully planned a provocation to engaged the UK (and friends) by kidnapping 15 Brits. This is certainly not the first time a world leader has thought that they had been divinely sent into battle nor will it be the last.

For example world war was brewing when Neco Pharaoh of Egypt set out for Carchemish in 609 B.C. to join the Assyrians in an attempt to defeat the Babylonians, who were rising to great power. When Judah’s King Josiah learn of this hostility he tried to stop him on the plains of Megiddo.

During this period of time the people of Judah worshiped God, although in the wrong way. Not only did they treated sin lightly but they had allowed secular influences into their practice of worship. Then when the High Priest Hilkiah discovered a book hidden somewhere inside the Temple; which was know as the “Book of the Law” given by Moses during the Exodus from Egypt.

After the Priest read the “Book of the Law,” (Deuteronomy) to King Josiah, he tore his robe (2 Chronicles 34:19). For the King now knew that the people had not kept the word of the Lord; because they were not acting in accordance with God’s word. Josiah ordered the Priest to inquire of the Lord. The priest then when to speak to the prophetess Huldah, and she inquired of the Lord. She said to them:

“This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to me, This is what the Lord says:

“I am going to bring disaster on this place and its people--all the curses written in the book that has been read in the presence of the king of Judah. Because they have forsaken me and burned incense to other gods and provoked me to anger by all that their hands had made my anger will be poured out on this place and it will not be quenched. Tell the king that because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. Now, I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.” (2 Chronicles 34:24-28)

Upon hearing these words and with repentance Josiah removed all the detestable idols and he renewed the Covenant to obey God‘s commands with all his heart and soul. “King Josiah then celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughter on the fourteenth day of the first month” know as Nissan.

The bible records that “the Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel, and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem.”

“After all this, when Josiah had set the temple in order, Neco Pharaoh of Egypt when up to fight at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah marched out to meet him in battle. “But Neco sent messengers to him saying, “What quarrel is there between you and me, O king of Judah? It is not you I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or he will destroy you.”

Josiah, however, would not turn away from him, but disguised himself to engage him in battle. He would not listen to what Neco had said at God’s command but went to fight him on the plain of Megiddo.

Archers, shot King Josiah, and he told his officers, “Take me away; I am badly wounded.” So they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. He was buried in the tombs of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him.” (2 Chronicles 35: 18-24)

In a biblical teaching by Carl Hagensick titled “Megiddo and Carchemish,” he writes that “the battle of Carchemish changed the history of the world.” It began the fulfillment of one of the longest prophecies in the bible --the reign of the four universal empires which both Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel saw in a vision. (Daniel 2 and 7) --and introduced the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24).

“Carchemish is mentioned twice in the Bible. The first concerned the death of King Josiah; the second, less than four years later, was the famous Battle of Carchemish (Jeremiah 46) where Babylon became established as a world power. These battles climaxed a prolonged campaign of a new world force east of Mesopotamia as it became the dominate power in the entire middle east.”

Carl Hagensick poses the following questions -- Did “Pharaoh Neco recognize Jehovah as a legitimate authority? Would the God of Israel send a foreign king as his messenger to his own righteous ruler? Was their no prophet in Israel? On the other hand, might not Necho be referring to his god or, more likely, was he speaking sarcastically as Sennacherib did to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:16-18) In any case, Necho’s message could hardly have been from Jehovah since he did not reach Carchemish, he was on the losing side of the battle...”

“Dying in battle hardly seems to fulfill an unconditional promise of God that Josiah would die in peace. One explanation is that the prophecy did not say that he would die peacefully, but “in peace.” The phrase may describe the time of his death and not the circumstances of it. Josiah died at the young age of 39. If he had lived a normal life span of 50 or 60 years, he would have lived in a period of intense conflict as the forces of the Babylonians would be attacking and eventually destroying his beloved Jerusalem. This interpretation is supported by the clause that say’s he would not see the evils so shortly to come upon Jerusalem.”

“In a similar vein, the church of Christ will be hidden from the worst of the troubles coming upon the world. Jesus promise as much: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36). Even if a member of the church finish their course of life in severe persecution and at the hands of their enemies, their deliverance will hide them from the final trauma of this old social order.”

“There is yet another sense in which these words are true. If anyone gives his life in doing what he is sure is the will of the Lord, he is at peace in his death. Paul tell us this is even true if one misinterprets the Lord’s providence as to what actions are appropriate: “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Cor 8:12, see also 1 John 3:20).”

“Finally, it would be hard to reconcile a death in disobedience to God with this summation of Josiah’s career: “Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that which was written in the law of the LORD, and his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah” (2 Chronicles 35: 26,217, emphasis added).”

“Why did Josiah “disguise himself”? The only other king to disguise himself in battle was wicked King Ahab who die it out of cowardice (1 Kings 22:30). Kings usually were at the forefront of battle to lead their soldiers and give them courage. Because Josiah is never pictured as a coward, we must look for another explanation. The problem may be one of translation. Many commentators prefer to read the Hebrew as “he equipped himself.” The Septuagint says he “took courage.” The Hebrew word hitchapees is frequently translated “searched” as in mental searching of his motives before going into this battle is the correct thought and is in harmony with the character of Josiah.”

Josiah equipped himself by studying God’s word. He made promises that he was intent on keeping. Accordingly there are many similarities between the battles of Megiddo and Carchemish in the days of King Josiah with the prophesied Battle of Armageddon. Author Carl Hagensick outlines the following four comparisons:

1. As the battles of Josiah’s day marked the end of dominion of historic world powers (Egypt and Assyria), so Armageddon will bring an end to current world powers.

2. As those battle of old pave the way for the introduction of the first universal empire (Babylon), so Armageddon paves the way for the introduction of the fifth universal empire (the kingdom of Christ).

3. It was in these battles that Israel’s dominion over Jerusalem gave way to gentile forces; so in Armageddon Israel will gain their place as gentile governments collapse.

4. As the death of Josiah brought from the people a great mourning and recognition of his greatness, so an aftermath of Armageddon will be the universal recognition of the Messiah whom they previously rejected.”

As Israel continues in their struggle to give birth to peace at any cost. This week Prime Minister Olmert announced that he has invited Arab World leaders to a PEACE summit. So you see what was, will be again, as enemies of God embarked on a campaign of intellectual erasure to hopes of changing world history. Everyone is forgetting that dominion belongs to our Lord; He rules over the nations (Psalm 22:28) not Presidents, Kings, Dictators and religious leaders.

“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us; that we may live in His presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises; he will appear.” (Hosea 6: 1-3) During his trial, the high priest asked Jesus, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One? “I am,“ said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man, sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14: 61-62)

Is your citizenship here or in heaven?

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Do you await His glorious appearing?

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When Christ returns to take us to His eternal kingdom we will be gloried and made completely perfect. -- “For we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that we will be like his glorious body.”

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The Christian life is a fight against evil. So stand firm and stop sleeping so that you don’t fall into temptation.

“God’s peace is different from world peace". (John 14:27) God's peace is not found in "positive thinking, in the absence of conflict, or in good feelings." Peace comes from knowing God is in control because the Holy Spirit lives inside us. Therefore be anxious for nothing and pray about everything. For “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy--think on these things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from the Holy Spirit --put into practice. And the God of PEACE will be with you.” (Phil 4:6-9)

For as surely as the sun rises, He (Jesus Christ) will appear in great glory. “All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him-- those who cannot keep themselves alive. (Psalm 22:29)

“Let the PEACE of Christ rule your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to PEACE. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. Everything you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks (and honor) to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:15-17

May this teaching be a blessing. If your not a believer I close with a quote from Neva Coyle -- “God is not an elusive dream or a phantom to chase, but a divine person to know. He does not avoid us, but seeks us. When we seek Him, the contact is instantaneous.” Why not invite Jesus into your heart and enter into a partnership with Him.



SCRIPTURAL TAKE AWAY POINTS

Below are several prophetic verses that discuss the unknown sea of the future. They were written by Zechariah who became a prophet around 520 B.C., after the Babylonians were defeated by Cyrus of Persia, know today as Iran.

The Lord will care for Judah -- My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the LEADERS; for the Lord Almighty will care for his flock, the house of Judah, and make them like a PROUD horse in battle.

From Judah will come the cornerstone, from him the tent peg, from the battle bow, from him every ruler. Together they are like mighty men trampling the muddy streets in battle. Because the Lord is with them, they will fight and overthrow the horsemen.

I will strengthen the house of Judah and save the house of Joseph. I will restore them because I have compassion on them. They will be as though I have not rejected them for I am the Lord their God and I will answer them. --

“They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria’s pride will be brought down and Egypt’s scepter will pass away. I will strengthen them (Judah) in the Lord and in his name they will walk.

Zechariah 10: 3-7 & 11-12



Credit/Sources -- To read the complete article titled “Megiddo and Carchemish” by Carl Hagensick please go to: WWW: Hearaldmag.org/1999/99mj5_5.htm

Bible verses and biblical background notes come from- NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan Press