King Josiah: A Righteous Boy King – Part 2
2 Chronicles 34 (NKJV)
“…he did what was right in the sight of the Lord…” – 2 Chronicles 34 (NKJV)
The account of Josiah is an inspiring example of a young leader’s dedication and commitment that lead to spiritual renewal. There are several encouragements we can all glean from King Josiah as we pursue our own spiritual revival:
- We are never too young to be used by the Lord. Josiah was only eight years old when God conveniently set him on the throne. God pursued his heart as he grew, and Josiah responded to the Lord. Therefore, if you are young or know someone young (whom you should pray for), don’t ever doubt that God can call you and use you in your younger years.
- Josiah took responsibility even as a child. King Josiah went into leadership at a time when Judah and the people of Judah were deep into idolatry and spiritual drought. They had turned away from the Living God. He, however, understood his assignment and knew he was now able to change the status quo. Even though mass idolatry became an accepted norm, Josiah knew it was evil regardless of the length of time it had been in practice. It was brave of him to face and deal with reality rather than leave it for another leader to change. He took proactive moves by attacking pagan worship and bringing revival to the Passover feast (2 Chronicles 35:1).
- Tremendous healing can take place in a short time. Josiah tore down every place of worship containing false idols that trapped the people of Judah (for over seventy years). Question: ‘Have you ever felt that the strongholds in your life need to change, that they have been there too long? Have you convinced yourself that they can never be changed?’ Do not get tired of pushing against them and give up hope. The account of young King Josiah should encourage us that when the Lord’s time is just right, He can fix everything that binds us. He can release them and give us full restoration. Pray for these changes in your lives and in the lives of others.
- Being selfless is a virtue. In many situations, King Josiah selflessly acted on behalf of others, his citizens. After the Book of the Laws was found and read to him and he discerned that there would be a coming calamity on the people of Israel, he didn’t only seek counsel for himself as a King. He was so selfless and wise that he sought God concerning the matter for his people and acted upon the confirmation of God’s Word (2 Chronicles 34:19-32), bringing all the leaders together.
- Loving God commands us to love His People. It is impossible to say we love God and yet hate His people (1 John 4:20). Studying Josiah’s leadership style revealed that he displayed a great love for God and the things of God.
- Effective leadership can awaken spiritual reawakening. Your leadership and daily actions can bring about a positive spiritual awakening and growth shift.
- Establish godly systems and support them. King Josiah reawakened the Jewish tradition of celebrating the Passover. He assigned duties to the Priests and Levites and encouraged them to execute their duties in accordance with the Law of Moses (2 Chronicles 35:2-5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we give thanks with a grateful heart for Your reminder that there is power in righteous leadership. May we, like Josiah, seek Your wisdom, break strongholds, and pull down idols in our lives. Restore what is broken, and help us, oh God, bring about transformation in our spheres of influence, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Read: Matthew 1:11; 1 John 4:20
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 61; John 8:31-59; Judges 20; Judges 21
