EXPLORE IT - boy-king - God's Grace

In 2 Kings 22-23 we see our boy-king Josiah become King at the age of eight.  He then finds the “law” book or the “covenant” when he is 26.  2 Kings 23:1-2 tells us that King Josiah then calls all the elders (or the heads of the old families) of Judah and Jerusalem, the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, and the priests and prophets together and reads the Book of the Covenant in their hearing.  This large group is now not only privy to what the law says, now they must do something about what they have heard.  Whenever we gain knowledge, we have responsibility to respond.  Even not doing anything is a response.  The King responds to this new knowledge by standing “by the pillar” within the temple (this location signifies his role of authority) and makes a covenant or a pact with the Lord.

Josiah’s pact wasn’t a simple agreement with the Lord.  The King committed, “to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul” (2 Kings 23:3).  Those present didn’t just stand there and watch the King, they too committed themselves to this pact with the Lord.  A whole community, after hearing the Word of The Lord, dedicated themselves to His service with their whole heart and soul.  This community of God’s people now had some work to do.

This community of people had been very far from God.  Their activities and daily living did not coincide with God’s desires for His people.  God wanted better for His children and they had to make some changes.  They had to clean out the old ways of life to make room for God.  This process is called sanctification.  Make sure to come next Sunday as we dive deeper into what this process entailed and how King Josiah’s “spring cleaning” might encourage some light (or possibly intense) housework in your own life!

Blessings,Pastor Amy