In spite of all of King Josiah’s righteous reforms, the prophecy of Huldah will hold true (2 Kings 22:14-20). As promised, judgment will befall the nation of Judah even as it did Israel (2 Kings 23:26-27).

So, why bother with all the reforms? Why get all worked up about idolatry? Why be so committed to obeying the Word of God? If the prophet has spoken, why not just go along with the culture and enjoy the ride while you can?

I sense that tension. While a prophet has not spoken, our culture feels like it is doomed. I pray that it may yet be revived, but the speed of the immoral revolution is astounding. So why not just go along with the culture and enjoy the ride while we can?

Because God is worth serving in any and all circumstances. He will still be who he is when American culture is no more. He is worthy because he alone is God.

Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god. Who is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and set it before me, since I appointed an ancient people. Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen. Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.” (Isaiah 44:6-8)

Because God’s Word accomplishes God’s purposes in any and all circumstances.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Because God is merciful to those who repent.

“But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the LORD, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place.’” And they brought back word to the king. (2 Kings 22:18-20)

So, repent and live for the God who is and will ever be.