2nd Kings 22 TAKING GOD SERIOUSLY When a young child whose father was a notably ungodly man, becomes a believer who wants to do what is right, we wonder who or what had such an impact on his life. Undoubtedly the sovereign God is able to bring about in the heart of an innocent person an interest in divine things. It may have been that Josiah's grandfather Manasseh, took a special interest in the boy during the days in which he was converted and promoted revival in Judah. Amon the father of Josiah, was likely a negative influence for righteousness in his son during his brief reign. It seems like Josiah and his great-grandfather Hezekiah, were alike. Both knew the Lord God personally and wanted to bring the people back to God. Both promoted reform and a return of the nation to worship in the way God intended. Both were obedient to the word of God even when those before them were not.
There is a sense in which people are able to adapt to pressure to do that which is right because that is socially accepted at that time by the majority of people in their circle of friendships. When a nation is united by some calamity, there may be a brief turning toward righteousness and justice, but unless there is a change in the hearts of individuals, that doesn't last too long. Any work for God that is done for the sake of children is very important. Their uncluttered minds are like a clean slate so that the things taught them in a way that impresses them will still be there even when secular darkness settles over the life of a nation. Those things we teach our children, and others, are not lost. Whatever Josiah learned when he was young from Hilkiah the priest, Hulda the prophetess, and or Jeremiah and Zephaniah the prophets, seemed to have molded his mind and life.
Children can sense when things are wrong. They may go along with what they are told to do for quite some time, but then they begin to either take what they have been taught as true and follow the Lord in a personal way, or reject what they have been taught. When one rejects the truth of God, they are open to anything that appeals to their fleshly interests and will likely turn from righteousness to self-pleasing. Josiah served as king for 8 years, mainly being obedient to those who were his mentors. By the time he was 16 he had begun serving the Lord by his own volition. When he was 20, in the 12th year of his reign, he had begun purging the nation of idolatry. When he was 26, in the 18th year of his reign, he started the repairs of the temple.
Not everything happens at once. There are times when change is made rapidly but often that does not last. There has to be a solid base of scriptural truth when changes are made in one's life, in a family or in an assembly. The early changes that started in the nation ten years before had set a tone for true reform that led to repairing the temple in preparation for renewing temple worship. When a need is seen that should be addressed, there will likely be a period of time when we gradually take action with care and consideration of the effect the change will have on others.
The workmen at the temple were trusted people who were obviously thorough in their work. They found a hidden copy of the word of God, likely the books of Moses, that had been preserved during the times of apostasy. The desire of Josiah to have the temple repaired and the people of God return to worship there, was met with God's revealed word. The "righting of wrong" can lead to blessing for many people. When the word of God was read to Josiah, the effect was obvious. He was overwhelmed by the holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin, probably in himself and in God's people. The reading and understanding of the scriptures have a great impact on the lives of those who are exercised to truly know God. There is a great gap between the practices of the "Christian religion" and the holiness of God.
The understanding of holiness becomes evident when there is conviction of sin. Guilt revealed brings conviction, and conviction bring repentance. When repentance is genuine, then faith in Christ alone for salvation is not hard to accept. One who has sinned will not find it hard to admit to the fact they have sinned and come "short of the glory (holiness) of God." But to take ownership for their own sin is very hard because most people want to find someone else to blame for their sin. Some blame society, others peer-pressure, others circumstances of life - some even blame their parents for being the cause of their sin because of their strictness and rules at home. This barrier is removed when one is willing to stop comparing themselves with others, or trying to find a reason to shift blame to others - and face themselves as to who they are in the presence of a holy God.
Josiah's reaction to the reading of the word of God was genuine as he found himself exposed before God. He tore his clothes as an admittance of his nakedness before God. The contrast between Josiah and his son, Jehoiakim is worth considering. Josiah was immediately convicted and sought help to understand and know what to do. Jehoiakim in anger, took a knife and cut up the scrolls and burned them in the fire. The actions of Josiah preserved the nation for a few more years. Jehoiakim's actions brought the final disaster upon the nation.
The scriptures are not given to only read and study as some form of literature and information. They are God's most precise way of communicating His will and His truth to us. They are given to us to live by and practice the principles of life that are taught there. When, and if, we do that, we will find that every situation we face in life has guiding principles by which we can make right decisions and take right actions that please our Lord. If we practice what He says, our lives will be what He intends.
Hilkiah the priest, and Hulda the prophetess each had a role to fill in the life of the young king. Each one respected the fact that God chooses who He will to fulfill His plans. Whether one is a king or a slave, a man or a woman, or whether they are rich or poor does not keep God from giving us the responsibility to do His will in the role for which He equips us. The prophecy of Hulda was plain and authentic. God was going to bring disaster and defeat on His people as He had warned hundreds of years before and warned again and again through people of faith. The warnings were written in the book of the law. Judgment was going to happen. The people could not blame God. He had warned them. Apparently, Josiah understood this and tore his clothes and wept in the presence of the Lord God. In mercy God spared Josiah from seeing this final disaster fall because of his true repentance.
It is not easy to face the consequences of sin without bitterness against those who caused it, or even against God for not stopping it but allowing it. When our sin has affected others, we owe them restitution if that is possible and certainly an apology as evidence of our sincerity, remorse and repentance. Unconfessed sin and avoiding facing sin, leaves a person unhappy in spirit with a burden on the soul that remains. There is relief when we face our sin, confess and forsake our sins, repent of our sins and turn to God for mercy. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Facing and dealing with sin, whether it is ours, the assembly's or the nation's, of which we are a part, means that we have learned to take God seriously.
2Kings 22:2. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” AN AWAKENING. A child of eight may be ignored by many Or considered not able to understand. But when guided in early years by not just any – But one who recognizes this young man Can be used by God to bring His people back To the way God intends His people to go: He can supply the leadership needed and what they lack, When he learns what God wants them all to know.
A view of God’s house based on scriptures of truth, Is what people need reviewed from time to time.
The young leader needs to know what a good example is worth, And that people will follow him when from within his convictions shine. An awakening in one can by nurturing soon spreads To others who when guided see what needs to be done. He needs to define the work, then others when well-led, Will rally to that task almost as one.
The leader needs to see through eyes God has anointed, How the difficulties of the work can be accomplished. He saw the gifts and talents; then wisely appointed Each to a special work until is finally finished. The one who guides and leads will find many who are willing To lend their strength and goods to a goal clearly defined. Especially when its purposes are inwardly fulfilling – They are glad to see a bright future and not look behind.
“Father, there seems to be such a lack of enthusiasm for Thy house and Thy work. I pray today that in some way I might be able to generate interest in these things and help to provide leadership that will be able to stir Thy people into action with a fresh vision of the kingdom of God. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”