GAINING POWER FOR THE PURGE

I am totally captivated by the Kings of Judah. The more I study them, the more I can truly appreciate and love our King Jesus, who, unlike these previous monarchs, is perfect in every way. What has struck me recently is the contrast between King Josiah and our Savior, King Jesus. In my opinion, one represents the law while the other represents grace. This difference is the key to our eternal success at obedience! 

King Josiah, a young king, demolished the idols of the people and cleansed the land from the abominable acts that God’s people were subjecting their lives and children to. Josiah did indeed accomplish this task of cleaning the outside of the bowl of Judah. Much like the law that works feverishly to correct the sinful behaviors of man and not the heart, King Josiah was intent on cleansing Judah from their outward shell of disobedience; however, he was unsuccessful in cleansing the hearts of God’s people. After he died, the people went right back to their old sinful ways; they continued to burn God’s wrath against themselves because of their wickedness.

Jesus, however, came to cleanse the inside of the bowl. He came to demolish the strongholds of the heart so that the actions and behaviors of man would follow outwardly. His aim was/is more righteous and His goal was/is the ULTIMATE success.

Law alone does not accomplish God’s purposes of righteousness. While for a time the law may seem to succeed, eventually if the heart does not follow sync, people fail. Of course, no one can truly be successful with a heart of change unless the heart is ruled by our King Jesus, for He is God and in Him is the only means to true conquest of sin.  

His grace penetrates the heart, making a Highway of Holiness that gives power to the purge. For grace does not fight with the weapons of this world, on the contrary, grace pierces with divine power that consumes our strongholds. God’s gracious favor is all we need. His power works best in the depths (weakness) of our sin. (2 Corinthians 12:19).  

In grace, God covers us, strengthens us, and refreshes us. He mobilizes us through the all the debacle of sin we live in and around and we win! Oh how we win!