A Young King in a Broken Time
Today we are learning about King Josiah, one of the best kings of Judah.
Josiah became king when he was only eight years old.
The people of Judah had turned far away from God:
The Temple was damaged
False gods were worshiped
God’s law was forgotten
Both Jewish and Christian traditions honor King Josiah because he helped the people return to God.
A Child King Who Wanted to Do What Is Right
Josiah did not grow up with good examples.
His father and grandfather were evil kings.
But Josiah chose a different path.
Even as a young man, he began to seek the God of David.
Faith is a personal choice.
Josiah chose to follow the covenant, not his family’s sins.
Each person must choose obedience, no matter their past.
Repairing the Temple
As Josiah grew older, he decided to repair the Temple of the Lord.
Money was collected.
Workers were sent.
The house of God was being restored.
Then something unexpected happened.
The Forgotten Book Is Found
While cleaning the Temple, the high priest Hilkiah found a book of the Law.
For many years, the people had not read God’s word.
When the book was read to King Josiah, he was deeply upset.
He tore his clothes and cried.
God’s word has power to awaken hearts.
Judaism:
The Torah is central to life and faith.Christianity:
Scripture shows God’s will and reveals our need to change.
Josiah Listens to God’s Word
Josiah did not ignore the book.
He asked God what to do.
A prophetess named Huldah spoke God’s message:
Judah would face judgment because of past sins,
but Josiah would be spared because of his humble heart.
God responds to humility.
Jewish teaching:
Humility and repentance bring mercy.Christian teaching:
God honors those who listen and obey His word.
A National Promise to God
Josiah gathered all the people:
Leaders
Priests
Men, women, and children
He read the book aloud.
Josiah made a promise to follow God’s law fully.
The people agreed.
God’s word is meant for everyone.
Judaism:
The Torah is for the whole community.Christianity:
God’s word should be shared openly and lived daily.
Josiah Removes False Worship
Josiah acted with courage.
He destroyed idols.
He removed false priests.
He cleaned the land of false worship.
He even removed altars built by earlier kings.
True repentance requires action.
Judaism:
Turning back to God means removing sinful practices.Christianity:
Faith must be lived, not just spoken.
The Greatest Passover in Years
Josiah restored the celebration of Passover.
The people remembered how God freed them from slavery in Egypt.
The Bible says no Passover like it had been kept in many years.
Remembering God’s salvation renews faith.
Jewish faith:
Passover celebrates freedom and God’s faithfulness.Christian faith:
Remembering God’s saving work strengthens devotion.
The Tragic End of a Good King
Sadly, Josiah died young in battle.
The people mourned deeply.
His death was a great loss.
Soon after, Judah fell into trouble again.
Even good leaders cannot stop all consequences.
Judaism:
Each generation must remain faithful.Christianity:
God’s work continues beyond one person.
What King Josiah Teaches Us Today
God’s Word Must Not Be Forgotten
Hearing God’s Word Should Change Us
Humility Brings God’s Favor
True Faith Leads to Action
Renewal Begins with Listening
Both traditions agree:
God’s word is precious
Repentance brings renewal
Leaders must obey God
Teaching the next generation matters
When the Book Is Found Again
The book was forgotten.
But God was not forgotten.
When the people listened, change began.
May we be like Josiah:
Ready to listen
Willing to change
Eager to obey
When God’s word is found again,
hearts are renewed,
and lives are changed.
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