“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.”
2 Chronicles 34:1-2

Josiah was a child of eight years old when he became king. In 2 Kings 23, we learn of the idolatrous conditions this young boy was born into, yet he became the last good king of Judah, in spite of the environment he was born into. What marked such a good king, even at eight years old? What marked the revival that was brought about by such a surrendered heart? What spiritual lessons can we apply to our own lives?

We can answer these questions by giving an overview of the life of Josiah as seen in 2 Chronicles 34-35. First, spiritual renewal begins with obedience to the Word of God. Second, spiritual hunger is needed if there is to be revival. Notice that Josiah “began to seek the God of his father David” (v. 3). We learn, third, that spiritual revival can only come in connection with the Word of God, as seen in 34:8-21. Fourth, there is a spiritual response when the Word of God is clearly taught (34:29-33), which brings about unity among them. Fifth, true spiritual worship is the result of true spiritual work being done in the hearts of the people. The Passover is celebrated, and the Lord has His rightful place among His people once again!

This all came about because an eight-year-old boy became king! At 16, this young man began to get serious with the Lord. By the age of 20, he began to vigilantly root out all that did not honor his God (34:3). By the time he was 26, he was deeply involved in the spiritual condition of the house of the Lord (34:8-10). All this before he was even 30 years old!

Josiah stands apart as an example to every one of us, no matter what age we might be. He was a young man who put the Lord first in his heart, and it showed in his life. Josiah put a premium on the Word of God (34:14-21, 24; 35:6, 12). He was willing to learn from others and allowed them to influence him in the right direction (34:22-33). Josiah is a beautiful example for us to study and learn what the features are of an individual God can use, even in a day of spiritual breakdown, to bring about revival!

Anchor For Today:
Are you a Josiah? Can God use you for His glory? Are you surrendered to His Word and His will?