What does Josiah's response teach about leadership and accountability to God's Word? A Lost Scroll, a Seared Conscience “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for those who remain in Israel and Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD by doing all that is written in this book.” (2 Chronicles 34:21) What Leapt Out at Josiah • He recognized the scroll as God’s own Word, not a dusty antique. • He measured national life against Scripture and saw a dangerous gap. • He felt personal and corporate responsibility: “for me… and for those who remain in Israel and Judah.” • He moved immediately to seek God’s counsel, not public opinion. Leadership Lessons Drawn Out 1. Scripture Sets the Agenda • Deuteronomy 17:18-20 shows that a king’s copy of the Law was to guide every decision. Josiah models that ideal. • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds today’s leaders that God’s Word “equips for every good work.” 2. Humility Before Authority • Josiah tore his clothes (v. 19). A leader under Scripture does not defend ego; he submits. • 2 Chronicles 34:27 records God’s approval: “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself…” 3. Quick, Public Repentance • He gathered the people (v. 29-30) and read the Word aloud. Transparency builds trust. • James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” 4. Seeking Godly Counsel • Josiah sent to Huldah the prophetess—he valued prophetic insight over political strategy. • Proverbs 11:14: “In an abundance of counselors there is victory.” 5. Corporate Accountability • He understood that past neglect (“our fathers”) still carried consequences. • Exodus 20:5-6 shows how sin reverberates; leaders must confront inherited patterns. Accountability in Practice • Measure policies, budgets, and personal habits against Scripture, not trends. • Be the first to repent when God’s Word exposes failure. • Invite credible, biblically anchored voices to speak correction. • Lead corporate confession; private piety alone cannot heal public sin (2 Chronicles 7:14). Living the Josiah Pattern • Keep the Bible open and central—constant reading guards against “lost scrolls.” • Let conviction turn into action the same day. Delay dulls tenderness. • Teach those you lead to love and obey the Word, anchoring future generations in truth. |
    |