How can we apply Josiah's example of seeking God's guidance in our lives today? Josiah’s heart attitude: humble, urgent, expectant 2 Chronicles 34:23 records Huldah’s opening words to Josiah’s delegation: “She said to them, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Tell the man who sent you to Me.’ ” Josiah assumed God would speak; he simply wanted to know what the LORD would say. That posture shapes every application that follows. Return to the Word • Josiah’s reformation began when “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD” (34:14). • Scripture, not opinion, set the agenda. • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Today: – Build daily, systematic time in the Word; read it as literal truth that exposes sin and reveals God’s will. – When a decision looms, search the passages that address it directly or in principle. Inquire of the LORD • Josiah sent messengers to “inquire of the LORD concerning what is written in this book” (34:21). • James 1:5—“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously… and it will be given to him.” Today: – Pray first, not last. Lay the matter before God, believing He will answer. – Seek godly counsel steeped in Scripture, as Josiah sought Huldah. Respond with repentance and obedience • Huldah’s message exposed Judah’s sin; Josiah tore his robes (34:19) and “humbled [himself] before God” (34:27). • Proverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Today: – Admit any revealed sin immediately. – Turn from it decisively; partial obedience is disobedience. Renew the covenant and influence others • Josiah “stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD” (34:31) and “made all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledge themselves to it” (34:32). Today: – Re-affirm wholehearted commitment to Christ’s lordship. – Encourage family, friends, and church to walk in the same obedience. Remove competing loyalties • “Josiah removed all the abominations from all the lands” (34:33). • 1 John 5:21—“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Today: – Identify anything—habits, entertainment, relationships—that rivals God’s voice. – Remove it, replace it with practices that deepen devotion (worship, fellowship, service). Celebrate renewed worship • Josiah restored the Passover (35:1-19), bringing people back to thankful remembrance. • Hebrews 10:25 urges believers not to neglect gathering together. Today: – Engage wholeheartedly in corporate worship and the Lord’s Supper. – Let shared praise reinforce personal obedience. Promises for seekers • Jeremiah 29:13—“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” • Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” These are literal guarantees from the faithful God who answered Josiah. Practical checklist for modern Josiahs 1. Open your Bible before you open your calendar. 2. Pray specifically for wisdom and a soft heart. 3. Compare every option with clear biblical teaching. 4. Act immediately on what God reveals. 5. Eliminate influences that pull you from obedience. 6. Share your testimony to encourage others to seek Him too. Key takeaway Following Josiah’s pattern—Scripture first, earnest inquiry, humble repentance, decisive obedience, and covenant renewal—positions us to hear God’s voice and walk confidently in His guidance today. |
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