What can we learn from Josiah's deeds about obeying God's commands? Josiah’s Devotion Recorded “As for the rest of the acts of Josiah, along with his acts of devotion according to what is written in the Law of the LORD…” (2 Chronicles 35:26) What stands out? • “Acts of devotion” – not feelings but deeds. • “According to what is written” – Scripture was the standard, not culture. • The chronicler thought these deeds worth permanent record. Obedience Begins with Hearing the Word • When the Book of the Law was found, Josiah tore his clothes in grief (2 Kings 22:11). • Romans 10:17 – “Faith comes by hearing.” • Luke 11:28 – “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” • Lesson: schedule regular, undistracted time in Scripture; conviction precedes correction. Obedience Moves from Heart to Action • Josiah renewed the covenant before all the people (2 Kings 23:3). • He destroyed idols, altars, and mediums (2 Chronicles 34:3–5). • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” • Lesson: genuine obedience produces tangible, sometimes costly actions; sentiment is not enough. Obedience Flows from Love • Josiah “turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength” (2 Kings 23:25). • This echoes Deuteronomy 6:5, the first and greatest commandment. • John 14:15 – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Lesson: love is the motive, obedience the expression. Obedience Inspires Others • Passover was kept “like no such Passover had been observed since the days of Samuel” (2 Chronicles 35:18). • His reforms led an entire nation to worship rightly. • 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” • Lesson: personal obedience has communal impact; leadership multiplies devotion. Obedience Requires Humility and Repentance • Josiah humbled himself when he heard God’s judgment (2 Chronicles 34:27). • 1 Peter 5:6 – “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time.” • Lesson: a tender heart keeps us responsive to correction. Obedience Is Better than Ritual • Josiah reclaimed true worship, not empty formality. • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • Lesson: God values sincere compliance above mere religious activity. Obedience Bears Witness Beyond Our Lifetime • “From beginning to end” Josiah’s story was preserved (2 Chronicles 35:27). • Hebrews 11:4 – “Though he is dead, he still speaks.” • Lesson: a life aligned with God’s Word leaves a testimony that continues to instruct others. Living Out Josiah’s Example Today 1. Seek the Word—read it systematically. 2. Let conviction lead to concrete change. 3. Root obedience in love for Christ. 4. Model faithfulness for family, church, and community. 5. Stay humble, quick to repent. 6. Value obedience over outward show. 7. Remember legacy—choices today echo into tomorrow. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” (Luke 11:28) |
    |