In what ways can Josiah's actions encourage us to uphold God's law? Josiah’s Heart on Display “ As for the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with his deeds of loving devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD …” (2 Chronicles 35:26) • Josiah’s “deeds of loving devotion” were measured by one standard: “what is written in the Law of the LORD.” • Scripture highlights affection (“loving devotion”) married to obedience. Passion and practice travel together. How Josiah Modeled Loyalty to God’s Law • Early pursuit of the LORD (2 Chronicles 34:3) – he began seeking God as a teenager, proving no one is “too young” to go all-in. • Cleansing the land (34:4–7) – smashed idols, tore down altars, burned false objects. Obedience sometimes requires dramatic, visible rejection of sin. • Rediscovery of Scripture (34:14-19) – when the Book of the Law was found, Josiah tore his clothes in humble repentance, treating God’s Word as the final authority. • Covenant renewal (34:29-33) – gathered everyone, read the Law aloud, and personally “made a covenant to follow the LORD and keep His commandments.” He led publicly, not privately. • Passover restoration (35:1-19) – organized worship “as it had not been observed since the days of Samuel.” He restored biblical practices exactly as prescribed. Encouragements for Us Today 1. Treasure Scripture – Like Josiah, prize the Word above tradition or culture (Psalm 119:97). – Let conviction follow discovery; new light requires new obedience (James 1:22-25). 2. Cultivate Tender Hearts – Josiah’s response to the Law was humble and immediate (2 Kings 22:19). – Pray for hearts that break at sin and rejoice at truth (Isaiah 66:2). 3. Remove Spiritual Clutter – Identify and destroy personal “idols” that rival God’s rule (Colossians 3:5). – Replace them with practices that foster holiness—worship, fellowship, service. 4. Lead Where You Are – Josiah involved “all the people” (2 Chronicles 34:30). Influence begins at home, church, workplace. – Model obedience transparently; others catch passion that is seen, not merely spoken (1 Timothy 4:12). 5. Restore Biblical Worship – Josiah aligned Passover exactly with God’s instructions. – Evaluate personal and corporate worship by Scripture, not preference (John 4:23-24). Practical Action Steps • Schedule daily, unhurried Scripture reading—guard it like Josiah guarded Passover. • Conduct a spiritual inventory: what needs tearing down or casting aside? • Memorize key commands (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37-39) to keep them fresh. • Share a recent biblical insight with family or friends; teaching reinforces obedience. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper thoughtfully, remembering how Christ fulfilled the Passover Josiah cherished (1 Corinthians 5:7). Key Takeaways • Josiah shows that wholehearted devotion is measurable by our alignment with God’s written Word. • Upholding God’s law is both an inner affection and an outer action. • Revival begins when Scripture is discovered, believed, and obeyed—precisely what Josiah did, and precisely what we can do today. |
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