Josiah was given a big task. His father had done evil in the eyes of the Lord. Josiah decided he was going to do things that were pleasing to God. And he became king at the ripe old age of …. wait for it … 8! Imagine Josiah finishing up his second grade year at Jerusalem Elementary School. On the last day of school, the teacher asks, “And what are you going to do this summer, Josiah?” “Well, teacher, I think I’ll become king! Not king of the playground, king of the pool, king of the mountain, I’m talking King of Israel!” He probably got a few side-eye glances from his classmates. 

Josiah sent money to help rebuild the temple. In Chapter 22 of this passage, we read that they found the Book of the Law stored in the temple. I’m sure Josiah had probably heard a few things from this book, but at age 8 he probably hadn’t paid too much attention. But 18 years into his reign, he is able to hear the words read from the Book of the Law itself. He is greatly troubled, asks for repentance, but realizes some of the punishment that is happening to his people is a consequence of the sins committed for many generations prior to Josiah’s reign. Because God saw the goodness of Josiah’s heart, he granted him forgiveness and he promised Josiah that he would not see the destruction the Lord was going to bring on the people. Repentance is important — from the people of the Old Testament and their Law, to the people of the New Testament and today and our Law — Jesus Christ our Savior. 

We are all asked to repent of our sins. Christ is waiting for us to ask him for forgiveness. He’s waiting with open arms and will gladly take you in and call you his! (And happy 22nd anniversary to the love of my life, Melissa!)

Dr. Glen E. Neal