Let me introduce you to Mayo Sowell, a former Auburn University linebacker who was part of Tommy Tuberville’s 2004 SEC Championship-winning team. After getting drafted to the NFL, a knee injury ended his career and he turned to selling drugs to support his professional athlete lifestyle. His life spiraled downward and he found himself in federal prison serving a 50-month sentence. It seemed he was trapped by his sinful choices without hope.
Reading through 2 Kings, we see the awful result of sinful choices made by the rulers of Judah. Kings Manasseh and Amon’s wickedness and depravity trapped all of Judah on a path of judgment and destruction without hope. But something happened that changed the direction of Judah and spared them for a time. King Josiah ascended to the throne of Judah. Scripture says “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (2 Kings 22:2, NIV). You see, the Book of the the Law was found in the temple and Josiah devoted himself to its teachings. Josiah went on a campaign to rid Judah of its idols and detestable practices. King Josiah brought back hope to the people that if they would be obedient to God, they might find his mercy.
In today’s key verse we read, “The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord — to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul… ” (2 Kings 23:3, NIV). Josiah brought hope to the people of Judah because he submitted himself to God.
Whatever happened to Mayo Sowell? With 18 months left on his sentence, he met an inmate who introduced him to Jesus. Sowell’s life changed completely because he found hope in Christ. Sowell says that when it comes to turning your life around, “help is a relationship away.” Just as he as always done, God brings hope to the hopeless when we turn to him.
Lord, help me remember that you can turn around even the most hopeless situation. AMEN
Joe Pritchett
Extended Scripture: 2 Kings 23–25
