The example of Josiah...

... or the return to the forgotten Word

I invite you to read with me: 2 Kings 22–23 and 2 Chronicles 34–35.

The example of King Josiah is deeply relevant for Christians today. His story shows us what happens when a sincere heart discovers — or rediscovers — the Word of God and accepts being corrected by it.

During Josiah’s reign, the temple still existed. There was still a form of religion, rituals, and a spiritual history. And yet, the Book of the Law had been forgotten and set aside.

“I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.”
2 Kings 22:8

What an example for us! It is possible to have worship services, songs, traditions, and Christian activities, and yet to have lost the center: the Word of God received, believed, and obeyed. It is also possible that we have put our Bible aside, neatly placed on a bookshelf!

When Josiah hears the words of the book, he does not minimize them. He does not consider the text too harsh, nor does he think it should be adapted to his time. On the contrary, he tears his clothes — a sign of humility and repentance.

“When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.”

Josiah realizes with deep concern that the people have turned away from God. He understands that idolatry, compromise, and disobedience are not small matters.

The Word of God awakens our conscience.

That is the first lesson: true Bible reading does not leave us comfortable and unchanged; it brings us back to God. It enlightens, corrects, rebukes, and restores. It is not there to confirm our own ideas, but to bring our lives under the will of the Lord.

Josiah does not keep this discovery to himself. He gathers the people and has the words of the covenant read publicly.

The Word then takes its rightful place again among the people and in their hearts.

This is also a call to the Church today. A congregation may be active, warm, and well organized, but if the Word of God is no longer at the center, it loses its compass. It is not new human methods that bring revival, but a humble return to what God has already said.

But Josiah does not stop at emotion. He acts. He purifies the temple, destroys the idols, removes false worship, and tears down foreign altars. His repentance becomes concrete and visible.

Hearing the Word must lead to obedience.

It is not enough to be touched by a message or moved by a Bible reading. The real question is: What is God asking me to change?

The idols Josiah destroys are not only outside. Some had even been brought into the house of God!

That may seem unbelievable. Yet even today, certain things can take the place that belongs to God alone: money, comfort, recognition, human traditions, religious power, or a false peace that refuses the truth.

Josiah therefore invites us to examine ourselves:

What has taken, in my heart, a place that should belong to God alone?

After removing what dishonored God, Josiah restores the Passover. He brings the people back to the memory of their deliverance. For us Christians, this points to Christ, our true Passover Lamb, the Lamb of God sacrificed for our sins.

Returning to the Word of God is therefore not only about denouncing evil. Above all, it is about returning to God — to Christ, to the cross, to grace, and to holiness.

God commends Josiah for his response:

“Because your heart was responsive, and you humbled yourself before the Lord...”
2 Kings 22:19

Here is the secret: a heart that is touched, humble, and sensitive to the voice of God.

Josiah shows us that true revival begins when the forgotten Word is found again, received with reverence, and followed by real obedience.

When the Word of God corrects me, do I argue with it, or do I allow it to transform me for His glory?

Franz