Do you like this picture? How dumb!

But that reminds me of the people of God at the time of King Josiah. They were given a golden opportunity to genuinely, honestly, truly repent and be restored to God. Apparently they went through the motions, but didn't engage the heart. After King Josiah died, they rapidly returned to idolatry. And within a generation, their nation was destroyed, the temple was desecrated, and their leaders taken into exile.

Yet before I point my finger at them, I'd better look in the mirror at me...at us. Are we any different, really? Instead of man-made idols, we honor athletes and celebrities...we find purpose in a career or a relationship...we strive to please people and achieve notoriety and success...and we serve ourselves. When God allows us to face tough economic times, we look to government leaders for bailouts...we find security in what monies that we do have left...and we find joy in our entertainment. Where is God in all this? Where is God in the priorities of our lives?

Oh God, have mercy upon us. Bring us to true and lasting repentance. Change us, transform us, make us devoted followers of Jesus!