Have you ever met someone so passionate, so full of life, that their energy inspires you to think and live differently? That’s the story of King Josiah. This remarkable figure from the Old Testament lived with a passion and clarity that continues to inspire, challenge, and teach us today. His name, which means "Yahweh heals" or "fire of God," perfectly encapsulates his life and leadership. Let’s explore what we can learn from Josiah’s story and how it applies to our lives.

Too Young to Lead?

When I became the lead minister at Christ Community Church, I was 38 years old. While I may have looked even younger, I certainly wasn’t eight. Yet, that’s exactly how old Josiah was when he became king of Judah. Despite his youth, Josiah’s leadership and faithfulness to God outshined many of his predecessors.

His journey began with seeking God at 16. By 20, he was on a mission to rid the nation of idols and anything that pulled people away from God. His actions weren’t just symbolic; they were transformative. He tore down altars, smashed idols, and even desecrated the places used for child sacrifices, ensuring those practices would never take root again.

Rediscovering God's Word

One of the most pivotal moments in Josiah’s reign came at 26 when the temple was being repaired. Amidst the renovations, the high priest Hilkiah found something long forgotten—the book of the law, likely the Torah. Can you imagine? The very foundation of their faith had been lost for decades, gathering dust while the people drifted further from God.

When the book was read to Josiah, his response was immediate and emotional. He tore his robes in repentance and grief, realizing just how far the nation had strayed. But Josiah didn’t stop there. He gathered all the people, from the least to the greatest, and read the words of the law aloud. Then, in front of everyone, he renewed the covenant to follow the Lord with all his heart and soul.

Lessons for Today

Josiah’s passion for God and his word challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Do we share his fire? Do we cherish God’s word, or has it become just another book on the shelf? Here are a few practical takeaways from Josiah’s story:

1. Seek God Early and Often
   Josiah started seeking God at 16. It’s never too early—or too late—to pursue a relationship with him. Whether you’re new to faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, there’s always more to learn and discover about who he is.

2. Tear Down Idols
   Josiah didn’t just ignore the idols in his land; he actively destroyed them. What idols might be present in your life? Maybe it’s the pursuit of success, the distraction of social media, or the idol of comfort. Ask God to reveal anything that competes with him for your heart, and then take action to remove it.

3. Treasure God's Word
   Josiah treated the rediscovered book of the law as the treasure it was. Do we treat the Bible the same way? With unprecedented access to Scripture today, it’s easy to take it for granted. Let’s commit to reading, studying, and applying God’s word daily.

4. Lead Others to God
   When Josiah encountered the truth of Scripture, he didn’t keep it to himself. He shared it with everyone and invited them to join him in following the Lord. How can you bring others along in your journey of faith?

A Picture of Jesus

Josiah’s story ultimately points us to Jesus. Like Josiah, Jesus confronted the forces of evil and sin, not just in his nation but in the entire world. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the powers of darkness and made a way for us to be reconciled to God.

As we reflect on Josiah’s life, let’s ask ourselves: Are we living with the same passion, humility, and obedience? May we, too, be a "fire of God" in our generation, pointing others to the hope and truth found in Jesus.

Are you ready to ignite that fire?

Blog adapted from November 17, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton

Chronicles of Judah Series Resource Page