The one-in-a-million kind

Originally written March 12

Today: 2 Kings 23-25

This week, I’m writing from a cruise ship…a balcony overlooking the Pacific, to be exact. I took a tour of the ship yesterday and learned that one of the (many!) areas on this massive floating city is a casino. I saw penny slot machines, blackjack tables and Texas hold ‘em players.

I have to say that I’m not really into gambling, but if I were, I would have a “Go big or go home” kind approach…meaning that I would purchase $5 worth of mega-millions tickets.

My rationale is that a) I don’t want to spend too much or get sucked into upping the ante in an adrenaline-filled competitive moment and b) If I’m going to play, I want to win enough (after taxes!) to make a serious impact not only my life or my family, but first on God’s kingdom and on other people. This rationale may be completely irrational because the odds of winning a megamillions jackpot are heavily stacked against me (that’s why I really don’t play much!).

You and I may never win the megamillions jackpot—but I hope we have one-in-a-million kinds of experiences or that we become one-in-a-million kind of people.

I’d describe King Josiah in today’s passage as that one-in-a-million kind of guy. He became a king at age 8 and totally turned around his views of God and tried to help his subjects serve God. He tore down idols and shrines. He burned altars where people sacrificed their children to false gods (yeah—they seriously did that!). He helped people hear the word of God. I love how the Bible depicts him:

There was no king to compare with Josiah—
neither before nor after—
a king who turned in total and repentant obedience to God,
heart and mind and strength,
following the instructions revealed to and written by Moses.
The world would never again see a king like Josiah.

I think it’s interesting that the things that made Josiah a one-in-a-million kind of king are characteristics anyone could emulate. He repented (did a 180 degree turn-around) and lived in obedience to God. He loved God with his heart, mind and strength. And he followed the instructions in the Word of God.

We don’t have to be kings or queens to exhibit those qualities—we can be one-in-a-million kinds of students, volunteers, workers, givers, friends, spouses…you name it. And I hope we will.

Tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 1-2