Maverick for ChristSample

Josiah The Faithful

King Josiah is known as the youngest king to ever rule in Jerusalem. He became king when he was only 8 years old. His faithfulness to the Lord was demonstrated by mandates made during his reign. At 18 years old, King Josiah sent for the Book of the Law (God’s Word) to be found and read to him. Upon hearing the words in the book, he tore his clothes realizing everything Jerusalem was doing wrong. His father, the King before him did everything evil in the sight of the Lord, yet King Josiah determined to be faithful and to right the wrongs that were unpleasing to God.

He commanded that all the wooden idols and poles, set up to worship false gods throughout Jerusalem, be taken down and burned. He demolished shrines that were constructed for false gods. He removed the priests ordained to perform rituals to the false gods. He defiled the place where children were being sacrificed to false gods. King Josiah did everything he could to destroy anything not pleasing to God. Although the Lord was very angry with Jerusalem for their sins and horrible practices, He remembered Josiah and his faithfulness.

Dear Lord of All, thank you for King Josiah, because of his faithfulness, your land was restored. Although the people were punished for their wrongdoings, we thank you for remembering King Josiah and his actions. Lord, we pray that You will protect us when we choose to be a maverick for You. May we honor You when we decide to go upstream when everyone else goes along with the current. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.