What can we learn from Josiah's actions about dealing with sin in our lives? Setting the Scene: Josiah on the Rooftop “He pulled down the altars that were on the rooftop of Ahaz’s upper chamber, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had built in the two courtyards of the house of the LORD. He smashed them there and threw their dust into the Kidron Valley.” (2 Kings 23:12) Lesson 1: Expose Every Hidden Sin • Josiah climbed to the rooftop—sin was literally “above eye level,” out of everyday sight. • Personal application: ask the Lord to reveal attitudes, habits, and private compromises we’ve tucked away (Psalm 139:23-24). • Hidden sin cannot stay hidden before a holy God (Hebrews 4:13). Lesson 2: Move from Conviction to Action—Immediately • Josiah “pulled down” and “smashed” the altars the same year he heard God’s word (2 Kings 22:8-13). • Delay gives sin time to entrench: “Do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:27). • Practical step: when Scripture convicts, schedule the change now—delete, cancel, confess, replace. Lesson 3: Leave No Piece Intact • He reduced the pagan structures to dust and dumped the debris in the Kidron Valley. • Total removal echoes Jesus’ call to radical amputation of stumbling blocks (Matthew 5:29-30). • Sin remnants become foundations for future compromise; destroy every fragment. Lesson 4: Replace Altars with Worship • After tearing down idols, Josiah restored proper temple worship (2 Kings 23:21-23). • It’s not enough to subtract evil; we must add righteousness (Romans 13:14). • Build new rhythms—Scripture intake, fellowship, service—to occupy the cleared ground. Lesson 5: Make It Public and Contagious • Rooftop demolition was visible to Jerusalem; courtyard cleansings affected every worshiper. • Our decisive break with sin can encourage others (1 Timothy 4:12; Hebrews 10:24-25). • Integrity is infectious; hypocrisy is, too—choose which spreads. Lesson 6: Trust God with the Fallout • Destroying royal altars risked political backlash, yet God honored Josiah with peace in his days (2 Kings 22:18-20). • Obedience may cost relationships or reputation, but “those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). • Faith steps into obedience first; understanding follows (John 7:17). Living It Out This Week 1. Ask God to spotlight any “rooftop” sin. 2. Name one action you will take today—tear down, throw out, break off. 3. Fill the gap: plan a new worship habit where the sin once stood. 4. Share your commitment with a trusted believer for accountability. |
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