Josiah was just 8 years old when he became King of Judah. His father and grandfather both did what was evil in the sight of God, and the nation was ravaged with idol worship, child sacrifice and ungodly living. And yet in just a few years this young King brought about a reform and restoration of the Kingdom of Judah in a way that no other King was ever able to do. 2 King 23 v 25 says;
“Before him there was no King like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might”
What was it that made Josiah’s journey back to God so transformational, and how did one man bring restoration to an entire nation?
In Josiah’s lifetime we see the kindness and mercy of God poured out upon a whole nation. It is clear that God’s wrath and judgement is coming upon the nation of Judah. This was prophesised to Hezekiah, Josiah’s great grandfather. For generations the Kings and nation had been guilty of the most deplorable acts of sin, judgment was imminent. And yet now, at this time, in His loving kindness the Lord would use Josiah, and other faithful prophets and priests, to restore a generation. He will look upon this generation in underserved mercy and bring them lovingly back to Himself.
So what will need to happen in Josiah’s life, and in the people of Judah to enable them to return whole-heartedly to the Lord? And what does this tell us about what the Lord is doing amongst us in our day?
Let us learn the lessons of this young King, as we consider together how we might return to the Lord with all our heart.
Tim Barton