How can we apply Josiah's example to our personal spiritual leadership today? Setting the scene—Josiah’s decisive gathering “Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.” (2 Chronicles 34:29) • At age twenty-six Josiah has rediscovered the lost Book of the Law. • Hearing its words, he tears his clothes in grief, seeks the LORD, and is told that judgment looms but mercy is available (vv. 19-28). • His first public move is to call the nation’s leaders together. Personal conviction now becomes corporate action. Leadership lessons we can mirror • Honor God’s Word above every other voice – Josiah’s entire reform begins with Scripture (34:18-19). – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Respond with humble repentance, not excuses – 2 Chronicles 34:27: “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God… I have heard you.” – 1 Peter 5:5: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • Take initiative—gather, don’t isolate – Spiritual leadership starts with drawing people to hear God’s Word together (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Make a clear covenant commitment – 34:31: “The king stood in his place and made a covenant before the LORD… with all his heart and all his soul.” – Joshua 24:15: “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” • Remove what competes with God – 34:33: “Josiah removed all the abominations… and made all who were present in Israel serve the LORD their God.” – Galatians 5:24: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” • Lead by example that endures – “Throughout his reign they did not fail to follow the LORD” (34:33). – Paul repeats the pattern: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Walking it out today 1. Schedule regular, unhurried time in Scripture; read it aloud in your home, workplace, or ministry setting. 2. When the Word exposes sin, confess immediately; model transparency. 3. Proactively gather those you influence—family, friends, small group—and share what God is showing you. 4. Write a personal covenant statement: specific, measurable commitments to obey God this season. 5. Identify and eliminate modern “idols” (media, habits, relationships) that dull spiritual appetite. 6. Keep the reform going: review commitments, celebrate progress, and recalibrate when you drift. Other passages that reinforce these truths • Deuteronomy 6:5-7—loving God “with all your heart” and teaching His words diligently. • 2 Timothy 3:16—Scripture’s authority for instruction and correction. • James 1:22—being doers, not hearers only. • Romans 12:2—mind renewal that resists cultural conformity. • Proverbs 4:23—guarding the heart as the wellspring of life. |
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