August 2: The Reforms of Josiah

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2012

The Reforms of Josiah

In today’s passage, we read about some positive changes that come from interaction with God’s Word.  Even as Jeremiah has foretold further destruction, King Josiah brings sweeping changes to a nation that had strayed from the truth.  There are several means by which this revival transpires, which all start from the Lord Himself.

 

 

The value of leadership.  “When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes.  He gave these orders to Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Abdon son of Micha, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant:  ‘Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found.  Great is the Lord’s anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord; they have not accepted in accordance with all that is written in this book.” (2 Chronicles 34:19-21)

 

We see that God has moved Josiah’s heart, challenging him to bring reform to a flagging nation.  He calls the people to Jerusalem for a time of repentance and attacks the sources that has drawn people away, literally destroying the high places, altars to other gods, and physical idols.  He understands that these sites had entrapped people.  A great leader shows concern for the whole person and for the least – and Josiah displays this love for others clearly.

 

In today’s postmodern thinking, the majority of the population has accepted relativism, which argues that each person may determine his or her own truth.  This method appears to work well during times of prosperity, as it brings forth temporal “freedom” during our earthly life.  Yet, the Scriptures clearly indicate that, if we do not follow obediently after God’s Word, we are deceiving ourselves and will become in bondage to sin.  The prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah point to Judah’s bondage to sin and the coming righteous judgment.  As Sovereign King of the universe, we would do well to show leadership like Josiah, taking God at His Word and living according to it wholeheartedly and encouraging others to do the same.

 

 

The value of repentance.  [Huldah speaking] “‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard:  Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord.  Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace.  Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.’” (2 Chronicles 34:26-28a)

 

The nation’s change of heart draws out the compassion of God.  He relents in His judgments for a time.  The truth of the Word demands a response, and we honor God by acknowledging our shortcomings and turning back to the Lord when we have strayed from Him.  Isaiah 55:11 comes to mind:

 

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:

       It will not return to me empty,

       but will accomplish what I desire

       and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

 

Also, 1 John 1:9 discusses the effects of personal repentance:  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

 

 

The value of the covenant.  “The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord – to follow the Lord and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.

 

“Then he had everyone in Jerusalem and Benjamin pledge themselves to it; the people of Jerusalem did this in accordance with the covenant of God, the God of their fathers.

 

“Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God.  As long as he lived, they did not fail to follow the Lord, the God of their fathers.”

 

Commitment to the truth brings about actions that honor God.  The people followed behind Josiah and lived for the Lord through the remainder of their days.  To what or whom have you committed yourself?  How do you remind yourself of that commitment?  How can your commitment to the Lord bring you closer to Him?

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