Universal Utterings®
for May 25, 2024

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05-25-2024 Sirach 49 V0103 Josiah the Prophet

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The Book of Sirach Ch 49 v- One thru Three

1 The name JOSIAH is like blended incense, made lasting by a skilled perfumer. Precious is his memory, like honey to the taste, like music at a banquet. 2 For he grieved over our betrayals, and destroyed the abominable idols. 3 He kept his heart fixed on God, and in times of lawlessness practiced virtue.

The Prophet Josiah, the 16th king of Judah, ascended to the throne at a remarkably young age of eight, following the assassination of his father, King Amon. Despite the tumultuous environment and the pervasive idolatry that plagued the kingdom, Josiah's heart was uniquely attuned to the ways of God. His commitment to the Lord became evident in the eighth year of his reign, when he was just sixteen, as he began to seek the God of his ancestor David earnestly. This early dedication set the foundation for a reign characterized by profound religious reform and unwavering adherence to divine principles.

Josiah's reign is particularly notable for his vigorous campaign to purge Judah of idolatry. At a time when the nation was steeped in lawlessness and moral decay, Josiah initiated extensive reforms to restore the worship of Yahweh. He ordered the destruction of high places, sacred groves, and the idols that had infiltrated Judah's religious life. With a zeal for righteousness, he dismantled the altars of Baal, eliminating the pagan priests and burning their images. His actions demonstrated a profound commitment to eradicating the corrupt influences that had led the people astray, and to re-establishing a covenantal relationship with God.

One of the most significant milestones of Josiah's reign was the discovery of the Book of the Law in the Temple of Jerusalem during its renovation. Upon hearing the words of the law, Josiah was deeply moved and recognized the gravity of Judah's disobedience to God's commandments. In an act of humility and repentance, he tore his clothes and sought guidance from the prophetess Huldah. This pivotal moment spurred Josiah to renew the covenant between God and the people of Judah. He convened a national assembly, where the law was read aloud, and the people pledged themselves anew to the observance of God's statutes. Josiah's responsiveness to God's word exemplified his steadfast heart and his resolve to lead his people back to righteousness.

Throughout his life, Josiah maintained a steadfast focus on God, even in the face of potential opposition and the prevailing culture of denouncing God and His laws. His dedication to virtue and truth, especially during a period marked by widespread corruption and idolatry, stands as a testament to his exceptional character and leadership. Josiah's reign, though ultimately cut short by his untimely death in battle, left a lasting legacy of spiritual revival and reform. His life story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that a committed and righteous leader can have, even in times of trouble and lawlessness by others you can stay focused on God and His Truth. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

05-25-2024 Sirach 48 v-0103

**The Prophet Josiah**

In days of old when shadows loomed,

A prophet rose, his heart illumed,

Josiah, king of Judah's land,

With steadfast faith, he made his stand.

Amidst the lawless, darkened days,

He walked in virtue's shining rays,

With heart to God forever true,

He sought to cleanse and to renew.

The idols fell beneath his hand,

He brought back hope to Judah's land,

The sacred scrolls he did restore,

And led his people to adore.

Though trials came and tempests blew,

Josiah's faith remained like dew,

A beacon bright in times of strife,

He lived for God, and gave his life. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

May 25, 2024 @ 06:09 AM EST

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