In 2 Kings 21 Manasseh succeeds his father Hezekiah as king of Judah. He does not continue his father’s faith tradition. On the contrary he behaves more like the rulers of Israel. He rebuilds the high places and engages in pagan worship. Manasseh puts an idol of Asherah in the house of the Lord. Manasseh led the people to commit abominations against the Lord. The Lord vows to punish the people of Judah for their sin by delivering them into the hands of their enemies. Manasseh’s son Amon follows in his father’s footsteps and is killed by his servants.

In 2 Kings 22 Josiah becomes the king of Judah. He is a righteous king. Josiah sees to the restoration of the house of the Lord. The high priest Hilkiah finds the book of the law in the house of the Lord and reads it. When Josiah hears the words of the book he tears his clothes in repentance.

Josiah has the priests seek counsel form Huldah a prophetess of God. She tells them that God will indeed punish the people for their sin, but because Josiah has been humble and penitent he will die before the punishment begins.

God is faithful to Josiah because of his humility. When we humble ourselves before God, God show us mercy.

2 Corinthians 9 continues to speak about being generous in giving to the ministry. Our generosity is not to be forced but is to be voluntary. We are generous because God is generous to us. As we continue to give God will continue to bless. All of this is due to God’s incredible grace.