At 8 years old, Josiah was thrust into the role of King of Israel. He was one of the greatest kings to ever lead that storied nation. We see his story unfold in 2 Chronicles 3. “He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.”

1. He was unlikely because of his age. Yes, in this case he was a young boy who became a king who ruled for 31 years. Yes, 1 Timothy 4:12 tells us, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…” This idea applies to any age. In a generational church like ours, we see how we need each other. We need the energy of the young and the wisdom of the old. It all works together!

2. He was unlikely because of who he sought. In 2 Chron 3:3 it reads, “In the 8th year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David.” Josiah came from a father (Amon) and especially a grandfather (Manasseh) who were evil men. He didn’t seek to follow their footsteps, but instead he followed someone he knew was a good king.

We see at age 20 that he went throughout Judah and Jerusalem and purged them of their high places, Asherah poles, and idols. He is so obedient to God that he hears and responds. He chopped, cut, broke into pieces, made dust, scattered, burned, broke down, beat into powder, and cut down. There was so much doing for God by this young man.

In verse 8 (now 26 years old), he sent trusted advisors to repair the temple of the LORD his God. In verse 14 they found “the Book of the Law of the LORD that had been given through Moses”. The Word had been lost, but was now found. The book was read to Josiah and he tore his clothes (a sign of grief). He realized all of the judgement that was going to come their way as a consequence for disobedience. In God’s kindness, He spared Josiah from seeing the exile because of his faithfulness to be obedient to the Law.

1. God has something for you. Are you on cruise control? Ask Him to show you how you can be an effective part of the church.

2. When was the last time you read the Bible on your own? Do you cherish it? Remember, it brings life, security, shalom, and goodness. It is the love letter that God wrote to mankind. This is the letter where we see the story of Jesus, who beat death. We don’t fear death because of the promises in this letter.