How does Josiah's reform inspire us to pursue holiness in our communities today? Setting the Scene “The king also desecrated the high places that were east of Jerusalem, south of the Mount of Corruption, which King Solomon of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.” (2 Kings 23:13) What Josiah Did - Identified centuries-old strongholds on sacred geography - Acted decisively, not partially—he “desecrated” (made unusable) every shrine - Reversed even the compromises of respected ancestors (Solomon) - Publicly demonstrated allegiance to the one true God before the nation Why It Matters for Us - Hidden idols linger unless confronted; holiness requires thorough house-cleaning. - Community holiness begins with personal courage; leaders set a tone others will follow (cf. 2 Kings 23:2). - Yesterday’s tolerated sin becomes today’s entrenched rebellion if left unchecked (Deuteronomy 12:2-3). - Holiness is both negative (tearing down) and positive (building up true worship). Connecting Threads - Deuteronomy 12:2-3 — God’s original command to destroy pagan altars, now finally obeyed. - 2 Kings 23:25 — “There was no king like him…who turned to the L ORD with all his heart.” Single-hearted devotion is still the standard (Matthew 22:37). - 1 Peter 1:15-16 — “Be holy in all you do.” The call remains, echoing the law Josiah rediscovered. - 2 Corinthians 6:17 — “Come out from among them and be separate.” Purity and fellowship go hand in hand. - 1 Thessalonians 4:7 — “God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.” Josiah’s example shows the way. Bringing Reform Home Practical ways we can follow Josiah’s lead: 1. Take inventory - Ask: What high places have crept into our homes, churches, or institutions—media, materialism, unbiblical ideologies? 2. Remove and replace - Delete, unsubscribe, de-platform idols; then cultivate Scripture reading, worship, fellowship, and service in their place. 3. Lead visibly - Parents, pastors, teachers: model repentance publicly so others see holiness as attainable and desirable. 4. Guard the next generation - Teach children early about counterfeit gods; Josiah began reforms at twenty-six but started seeking God at sixteen (2 Chron 34:3). 5. Keep Scripture central - Regular public reading of God’s Word (2 Kings 23:2) anchors reform and prevents relapse. 6. Celebrate obedience - Josiah restored Passover (v. 21-23); mark milestones of communal faithfulness with joyful worship. The Promise of Transformation - Personal freedom: idols broken lose their grip (John 8:36). - Corporate witness: a purified church “shines as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). - Generational blessing: wholehearted devotion invites God’s favor upon “a thousand generations” (Exodus 20:6). Josiah’s bold purge on the Mount of Corruption reminds us that pursuing holiness is never merely private. When we courageously dismantle every rival altar, our communities see the beauty of unmistakable allegiance to the Lord—and the ripple effects can shape a nation. |
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