Sermon on 1 August 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
This is the final instalment of the ‘stronger than ever’ series. The new king of the kingdom of Judah, Josiah, was only 8 years old when he became king. He reigned for 31 years. He did what was right in the sight of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:2). Although he was so young when he became king, he had good judgment. Look at our children and our youths. It is not about their age – it is about seeking the Lord. In all Josiah’s life, he looked to God. We have to walk in the Spirit, not flesh. Be anchored in your faith, have a pure heart. We want to learn from king Josiah.
Message
During king Josiah’s reign, the nation was in a mess. God was forsaken. The people worshipped Baal. When King Josiah was 16 years ago, he began to seek the God of his father David. When he was 20, in the 12th year of his reign, he started a reform to cleanse the land of Judah (2 Chronicles 34:3-7). He destroyed the altars of Baal, burned the bones of the priests. For 6 years, he purged the land. Then he sent Shaphan, his secretary, son of Maaseiah the governor of Jerusalem, and also Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder (akin to a treasurer), to repair the house of the Lord (verse 8). The high priest named Hilkiah found the Bible given by Moses (v14-15, 18-19). The first 5 books of the bible are known as the law. Hilkiah passed the book of the law to Shaphan who read it in the presence of king Josiah.
When king Josiah heard the truth, he tore his clothes. This was a symbol of repentance. He then sent Hilkiah and a few others to “go, inquire of the Lord for me…because our fathers have not obey…and do according to this book” (v21). The ancestors did not obey the word. God sent words from a prophetess named Huldah (v24-25, 27-28), who said that disaster would befall the city and its people because the people had abandoned God and offered sacrifices to pagan gods. These words strengthened king Josiah. His heart was tender, he was humble and he showed signs of repentance. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 tells us about promised curses because of disobedience. But because king Josiah repented, God would not send the promised curses upon the land and the people.
God makes promise to people who are faithful to Him (v 29-30, 31-32). King Josiah wanted to follow the law, to keep His commandments, and to do everything written in the law. How do you know that you are a follower of Jesus Christ? You carry the cross. You have no self-will and no arrogance. You abide. This is the mark of Christians who carry the cross. If you hear the word and do not do it, your house has no foundation and you will fall when the floods come, when the wind blows. King Josiah made all take a stand to do according to the covenant of God (v32).
What lessons can we learn from king Josiah?
1. He sought God and cleansed the land of false worship (2 Chronicles 34:3-7)
Seek Him every single moment, every day. How do you cleanse your heart? By reading the word. The word will sanctify you (John 17:17).
2. He repaired the house of the Lord (2 Chronicles 34:8-19)
Keep yourself always in alignment with God. Take care of your body because it is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Repair, by putting the word of God in you. God wants to reveal Himself to you through the word. Reading the bible is for yourself. It is not for others. Draw near to God with faith.
3. He repented for not following the book of the law (2 Chronicles 34:19-21)
He repented straightaway. Repentance is about doing all it takes.
4. He and the people made a covenant to obey God’s commands (2 Chronicles 34:31-32)
They made a covenant to live their lives according to the way of the Lord. Understand that God wants to guide us through the bible. His word is sharper than a two-edged sword. The word will reveal everything about how to live in faith – how to make decisions every step of your life. We do not live on bread alone. We need His word. If you will live by His word, He will take care of you.
What is your covenant with God?
I will read God’s Word daily and live it out faithfully.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. – Matthew 6:33
Closing
Let us cleanse our bodies through reading His word. For true repentance, it is always through obeying. Be revived, be renewed, be restored and be re-connected to God!
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