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2 Kings 23:3
The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord’s presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul…
The power of one person wholly devoted to a purpose can truly change the world. Whether it’s a Martin Luther King Jr., a Mother Theresa, or a Hitler, one person can influence countless others for good or for bad. Josiah became king and one of his first acts of business was to completely change the climate of his kingdom. Years and years of compromise and evil had left its mark on the land and its people. Pagan shrines, articles of worship to false gods, buildings used for evil littered the streets and Josiah was committed to not only cleaning out his kingdom but restoring it to its rightful king, the Almighty God. With reckless abandonment, he sent out orders to purify, to tear down and destroy, but he didn’t stop there. He then sent out orders to repent, to return, to recommit to the one true God. He did all that he could to live for God, and he did all he could to encourage others to do the same. Talk about change, talk about transformation, talk about a difference maker.
“But I’m not the king. I don’t have the power to tear down idols, destroy buildings, and change the climate of this culture. What can I do?” Although we may not be king, God wants to use us as difference makers and world changers:
- King Josiah took his place. He stepped up to the position of being king, he took his place of authority, and he accepted this major calling. He didn’t shy from it because it was too much work, he didn’t run away because he would face opposition, he didn’t fear challenge, but he was willing to face it head on. Remember, Josiah was 8 years old when he became king. He wasn’t trained, he wasn’t experienced, he probably didn't look like a king, but he did whatever he could to create change. Where has God called you? Where has He given you a position of authority? Husbands, have you accepted the calling to lead your wife? Have you chosen to step up, to take your place, and to lead by example? Fathers, have you abandoned your call to love, to lead, to shepherd, to teach your children? Have you abdicated the mantle of authority you have been given because it’s too much? Students, have you taken your calling and run with it, giving God excellence in your studies, in your submission, and in your seeking, or have you run from it, in your selfishness? You can change the world if you seize your calling.
- King Josiah renewed his covenant. Ripping down what was wrong, repenting for where they went wayward, and reminding his people of God’s Word. This wasn’t a partial repenting, it wasn’t just feeling sorry about the evil and sin, it wasn’t just going through the motions, but this was an all out war waged on that which was wrong. How many times have you and I felt guilty about our sins, failures, and mistakes, so we threw up a half hearted prayer requesting forgiveness only to commit the same act hours later? “God forgive me for, fill in the blank,” only to find yourself right back in the same spot doing the same thing basically before you even finish the sentence. My heart, my head, and my house needs to be cleaned out with reckless abandonment ridding it of anything that would cause me to stray.
- King Josiah pledged to obey. After rising to his position, after repenting and renewing his covenant, Josiah responded in obedience. Not only did he purify, he pursued. No only did he clean, he committed; committed to moving forward in righteousness. Again, you may not be the king, but God has given you influence. Whether it’s with your friends, your children, your coworkers, and the question stands, "Will you commit to stepping up and setting an example"? He has given you a place. Will you use what He has given you to change the world?
Heavenly Father, I realize I am nothing without you, but I ask that you would take all of me, flaws, gifts, shortcomings, talents, and everything in between and use it for your glory. I will choose to step up and accept the honored calling of being a husband to my wife and a father to my children. I will do all I can to lead them to You and example one committed to purity and pursuing. Forgive me of my sins that I might be pure, and help me to live my life in pursuit of You and Your love.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
