How does Josiah's legacy in 2 Chronicles 35:26 inspire your spiritual leadership today? Josiah’s Devotion on Record “Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with his deeds of devotion as written in the Law of the LORD, and his acts, from first to last, behold, they are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel and Judah.” (2 Chronicles 35:26) What Jumps Out About Josiah • A life God thought worth recording—his “deeds of devotion” are literally written down. • His devotion is measured “according to what is written in the Law of the LORD”; Scripture is the standard. • The phrase “from first to last” shows lifelong consistency, not a flash-in-the-pan moment. Core Traits of Josiah’s Leadership • Tenderness toward God’s Word (2 Kings 22:11) • Swift obedience (2 Kings 23:3) • Public reform, not private piety only (2 Chronicles 34:33) • Humility despite authority (2 Chronicles 34:27) • Perseverance until death (2 Chronicles 35:24–25) How His Legacy Fuels My Leadership Today 1. Scripture Sets the Agenda – Like Josiah, I bow to what is “written.” Every strategy, meeting, or decision gets weighed against the Word (Psalm 119:105). 2. Devotion Must Be Visible – Josiah’s zeal caused nationwide change. My leadership should spark observable righteousness at home, church, and workplace (Matthew 5:16). 3. Finish Well – “From first to last” challenges me to guard against burnout or drift (Galatians 6:9). 4. Act Quickly on Conviction – When Josiah heard the Law, he acted the same day. Delayed obedience is disobedience (Psalm 119:60; James 1:22). 5. Humble Leadership – Even as king, Josiah tore his robes before God. Authority never exempts me from repentance (1 Peter 5:5-6). Practical Steps to Walk in Josiah’s Footsteps • Schedule daily, unhurried Bible reading; treat it as a king would his royal decrees (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). • Conduct regular “house cleanings” of entertainment, habits, and friendships that oppose God’s commands. • Lead public times of Scripture reading—family devotions, small-group gatherings, staff meetings. • Keep short accounts with God: confess sin immediately; model repentance. • Mentor younger believers in the same pattern, multiplying Josiah-like devotion. Scriptures to Anchor the Journey • Deuteronomy 10:12-13 — God’s timeless call to wholehearted devotion. • Joshua 1:8 — Prosperity tied to meditating on the Law. • 1 Timothy 4:16 — “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” • Hebrews 12:1-2 — Endurance in the race set before us. Closing Reflection Josiah’s story proves that one leader, wholly yielded to Scripture, can ignite revival. His recorded “deeds of devotion” urge me to leave behind more than titles or projects—namely, a track record of Scripture-shaped choices that testify, “He loved the Lord from first to last.” |
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