Jehoahaz and the people are now directly affected by the consequences of Josiah’s meddling in the affairs of this world, when he wanted to oppose the king of Egypt. When Necho heard that Jehoahaz was made king by the people of the land, he deposed him as king in Jerusalem, brought him to Riblah, and carried him into Egypt. Then he made Eliakim king in his place, and changed his name to Jehoiakim.

Let us notice carefully that it is the king of Egypt who determined who would be king. He even changed the name of the king to show his authority over him and over the people. Thus, the first consequence of the fact that God’s people have meddled with the things of the world is that the world also meddled with the things pertaining to God’s people.

The lesson is quite simple for us: partaking of the world brings the world into the things of God.

If we do not want to find ourselves in a false position where this world can dictate to God’s people what they should do and how they should do it, then let us not take part in this world, and let us not voluntarily place ourselves under its yoke in order to obtain some benefits from it. On the contrary, we should go to the Lord, with faith and prayer, for all our needs.

We are a sanctified people, set apart for God. What do we have to do with meddling in the things of this world? “We know,” writes the apostle, “that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 Jn. 5:19). So let us leave this world aside, and go to our Head, Christ, who is sufficient for all things.