In what ways can we renew our commitment to God like Josiah? Setting the Scene “Then the king stood at his post and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant written in this book.” (2 Chronicles 34:31) Seek the Lord Personally and Early • Josiah began seeking God at sixteen (2 Chronicles 34:3). • Resolving to know the Lord precedes reform. • Psalm 63:1—“O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You…” —underscores early, wholehearted pursuit. Remove Every Idol • Josiah “purged Judah and Jerusalem” of high places, Asherah poles, and carved images (34:3-7). • Modern parallels: – Confess hidden sins (1 John 1:9). – Break ties with media/content that pull the heart from Christ (Psalm 101:3). – Release relationships or habits that rival God’s place (Matthew 6:24). Repair and Restore Worship • He repaired the temple (34:8-13). • Renewed commitment today: – Re-engage local church life (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Restore neglected spiritual disciplines—corporate worship, communion, fellowship (Acts 2:42). Rediscover the Word • “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law” (34:14-18). • Let Scripture confront and shape us: – Daily reading plans (Joshua 1:8). – Scripture memorization (Psalm 119:11). – Family devotion times (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Respond With Humble Obedience • Josiah tore his robes when the Word exposed sin (34:19). • God values contrition (Isaiah 66:2). • Practical obedience: act immediately on convictions, not someday (James 1:22-25). Renew the Covenant Publicly • He led the nation in recommitment (34:29-32). • Today: – Testimony of renewed faith before church or small group (Psalm 107:2). – Baptism or reaffirmation of baptismal vows if they’ve never been followed through (Romans 6:4). – Signing or reciting historic confessions/creeds as personal affirmation (Jude 3). Celebrate Passover-Style Remembrance • 2 Chronicles 35 records the greatest Passover since Samuel. • Regularly celebrate the Lord’s Supper in gratitude for Christ our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Influence the Next Generation • His reforms endured beyond his lifetime (34:33). • Ways to pass the torch: – Teach children diligently (Deuteronomy 6:7). – Disciple younger believers (2 Timothy 2:2). – Model integrity in workplace and community (Matthew 5:16). Live With Whole-Hearted Resolve • Josiah served “with all his heart and all his soul” (34:31). • Psalm 86:11—“Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.” • Decide daily: nothing held back, nothing off-limits, everything for Christ. Await God’s Faithful Response • Because Josiah humbled himself, God stayed judgment in his day (34:27-28). • 2 Chronicles 7:14 promises similar mercy to a repentant people. • Renewed commitment invites God’s restoring hand—personally, in families, and in churches. |
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