Mind Your Own Business

Today’s Reading – 2 Kings 23 – 24

In chapter 23 of today’s passage we see the death of Josiah. Surprisingly, Josiah did not die of natural causes; he was slain in battle. Now the question I have is this:why would God allow a good and godly king like Josiah to be slain in battle. Bad kings were often killed due to the judgment of God; but not good kings. What happened? The answer is not clear in this passage; but when we compare it with a parallel passage in 2 Chronicles 35, God tells us why.

After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out against him. But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who iswith me, that he destroy thee not. Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

(2Chronicles 35:20-22)

Here we see that Josiah involved himself in something that was none of his business; and as a result, he was slain. God never commanded Josiah to get involved in a battle between Egypt and Babylon. Interestingly, Josiah was helping Babylon; and Babylon is the nation that later would destroy Jerusalem. Josiah might not have realized it; but he was actually fighting against God’s will.

When I look back at my life, I can see that many of the times that I got myself in trouble was when I interfered in things that did not pertain to me. I should have minded my own business. Let me encourage you, don’t meddle with things that do not belong to you. Stay within the area God has given you; and make sure before you intervene in other people’s affairs, that you clearly have the direction of God.

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Phil Erickson

Pastor Phil Erickson has been the pastor of Jersey Shore Baptist Church since January of 2002. Having grown up in Ocean County, Pastor Phil has always had a burden for the south Jersey area. After graduating from Bible College in Longview, Texas, he and his family moved to Galloway Township with the vision of digging in and serving the Lord and the people of Atlantic County. Pastor Phil and Cindy Erickson have been married since 1985. They have four children and ten grandchildren. Their oldest son, Phil Jr. and his wife Katelyn are serving the Lord in Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Their oldest daughter, Melissa, is married to Wesley Clayton who is in the Air Force and is currently stationed in New Mexico. Samantha, their third child, is married to Justin Mears and they are both serving the Lord at the church in Galloway. Hannah, the youngest, is married to Lucas McCollum, and they are also serving here in Galloway. In preparation for ministry, the Lord led him through a variety of educational experiences that have equipped him to serve the Lord and His people. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgian Court University, a Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Theology from Texas Independent Baptist Seminary (formerly Texas Baptist College), a Master of Religious Education in Bible from West Coast Baptist College, and a Master of Biblical Studies from The Crown College. More recently, he completed a Graduate Certificate in Biblical Counseling and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Veritas Baptist College. He is thankful for these opportunities to study God’s Word more deeply, and counts it a privilege to use whatever knowledge the Lord has given him for the building up of His church. In addition to pastoring, the Lord has given Phil the wonderful privilege of teaching as an adjunct professor at Vision Baptist College in Berlin, NJ and Veritas Baptist College.

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Alisemary Becker says:

May 11, 2010 at 12:20 pm

Thank you Pastor for this admonition I find that I often get caught up in things I should not because of well meaning intentions Through the Lords help I hope to be discerning and prayerful in the future