Josiah’s intervention against Necho is the last major event of his reign. Josiah became involved in the struggles and disputes of this world, and this marked the end of his useful walk for God. He had been at peace and blessed all the time he had been involved with the things of God. But when he wanted to get involved to influence the world around him with the means he had, it turned against him. And it was even against the mind of God!

Even if he had the capacity to do something, and add his say to what was happening, it was not Josiah’s calling to intervene in the conflicts of this world, even if he thought it was to his advantage, or for the greater good, to do so.

We are not called to change the world, but to bear witness of Jesus. This is being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. To do otherwise will virtually terminate any true witness for the Lord. The Spirit of God uses the message of the gospel to save and transform lives. If Christ said His kingdom was not of this world (Jn. 18:36), how much more true this is for us! “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). We are not called to be influencers—Lot was not very well received when he wanted to do that—nor activists in worldly causes; this does not lead to the salvation of people. What is needed is the message of the gospel, not social movements or politics! It is living Christ and bearing witness of Him.

In which sphere am I operating? Josiah’s or Jesus’ who was hated by the world? Of our Lord, the Spirit declares through the apostle that He “witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate” (1 Tim. 6:13). May it be said so of our testimony for the Lord today!