Scripture reading:
- 2 Kings 22:11
- 2 Kings 22:1
- 2 Chronicles 35
- John 1:1-18
11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.
2 Kings 22:11
Do you remember what you were dong at the age of 8?
I barely remember most of my childhood, but I remember having a bike. That bike was my freedom from a dysfunctional home. I would carry me miles away from the violence, even if it was just simply riding in the same circles around the driveway. What about you? Whatever we were doing, a young 8 year old boy had us all beat.
22 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the Lord’s sight and walked in all the ways of his ancestor David; he did not turn to the right or the left.
2 Kings 22:1-2
That’s right! An 8-year-old boy, a descendant of David, had courageously ascended the throne of Israel. He hadn’t even reached his Bar Mitzvah yet! What is even more awe-inspiring is that he was one of the rare few in Israel. His heart truly chased after the Lord.
His reign emerged from the ashes of long-neglected kingdoms, igniting a fervent spirit for restoration. A monumental task lay ahead. It all began with the sacred act of rebuilding the temple. The temple had fallen into disrepair. With unwavering resolve, Josiah championed a transformative program to restore the temple to its former glory. This remarkable young man stands as one of the most pivotal kings to have governed God’s chosen people. He led dynamically. Through his leadership, a powerful revival swept through the land. The hearts of the people turned passionately back to the Lord. His reign, by all accounts, shone brightly with success. Yet, as we delve deeper, we see that his political legacy was not just a series of achievements. It was a profound testament to his remarkable character.
The workmen fervently began to excavate the debris of the ancient temple. They stumbled upon a treasure profoundly vital to the people. It was indispensable. What revelation awaited them? What profound legacy had been forsaken amidst the ruins? A copy of the sacred scriptures! As the life-giving Word of God was unveiled, Josiah’s heart was gripped with a powerful realization. He understood how tragically astray he and his people had wandered from the Lord (2 Kings 22).
Josiah was profoundly moved by God’s Word, inspiring him to accomplish what countless kings before him had failed to achieve. He boldly restored the visibility of Scripture, igniting a spiritual revival throughout the land. With determination, he meticulously cleaned house in his kingdom. He decisively abolished all customs, practices, and rituals that stood in opposition to God’s truth. He passionately ensured that the entire realm joyously celebrated the Passover Feast. He left no stone unturned in his quest to honor God as He rightfully deserves (2 Chronicles 35).
Everything in the kingdom transformed radically and dramatically! Why, you ask? All because of the profound discovery of God’s Word! Scripture ignited a fire within Josiah, and once it filled his heart and mind, he was forever changed. That is the incredible power of God’s Word! When you truly encounter His words, you inscribe them deep within your heart. This action unleashes a power. It brings about a radical transformation of your heart, mind, and spirit. A genuine encounter with the Lord results in a true metamorphosis. If there is no change, then there has been no authentic encounter!
In John 1 we read:
14 The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
God made His Word visible for the entire world to see in the person of Jesus Christ!
The Christmas season bursts forth as a radiant celebration. It reminds us that God has graced us with the Light of the world. The living Word is embodied in flesh to restore our relationship with Him. Just as the Word profoundly transformed King Josiah, it should ignite our hearts with fervor. It should compel us to take action. We should embrace the divine love that surrounds us.
God’s Word should be the powerful catalyst for profound life-change. It should pierce us to our very core. It compels us to confront sin with a seriousness that drives us to “clean our own house!” It should ignite a passionate fire within us. It urges us to pull out all the stops. We should passionately remember and celebrate the majesty of who God is. We should honor all that He has magnificently accomplished for us. God’s Word should propel us to a place of fervent conviction. It should inspire us to witness its transformative impact in the lives of everyone around us. This includes our families, loved ones, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else we encounter on this incredible journey!
Everyday we should be like Josiah: making the Word of God visible for the people in your life to see. Allow the light of the world to shine brightly through you, letting it guide people to Jesus!
© Kimberlee Smith 2026 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.
Need help?
Get in touch
it0starts0small@gmail.com
It Starts Small 
Leave a comment