For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

We come to our chapter, 2 Chronicles 35, and the truth of God’s love. 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. This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign. v. 18-19. And then v. 20 when the king of Egypt went up to fight with the Assyrians against the Babylonians (in 609 B.C.) When Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, the king of Egypt sent messengers to him to stop him. “What quarrel is there, king of Judah, between you and me? 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.” v. 21. In the notes below: (35:21-24 Josiah ignored Necho’s message because of who Necho was – king of a pagan nation. The mistaken assumption that Necho could not be part of God’s larger plan cost Josiah his life.) They had celebrated the Passover which commemorated their freedom from slavery in Egypt. And now a king of Egypt is warning Josiah not to interfere and be killed. Josiah didn’t listen. He died. Jeremiah the prophet wrote a lament for him and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him. v. 22-25.

I can’t help but think about the sweep of the history of mankind. Wars then and wars now. The evil being done by human beings leaves wounds in all of us. Empires rise and fall. The wars being fought today are not unlike the wars being fought before. Death and destruction. Ask any soldier of any war.

Jesus said plainly, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36.

Can we give thanks and rejoice that God’s Kingdom is not of this world? Can we give thanks that God works in our hearts and minds to show us a better way? God can and does work through anyone. We are the ones who limit our understanding of what God does. God’s Love is eternal and is no respecter of persons the way we are. Us vs. Them is not how God sees His children. We can’t fully appreciate that now but one day we will. With God’s help we will. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10. The prayer Jesus taught His disciples. He knows what we need and it will always be God’s love. Nothing can separate us from God’s eternal Love. Thank You, Creator God, for so great a Love. Help us walk with You and participate with You in Your work of Love.