Sunday Bulletin

Sermon Notes

 Download Printable Notes (Word)

By Rev. Dr. Rachel Poysky
2 Kings 23:1-3 NIV

Themes in the Story of Josiah:

1. A Young King Who Was Faithful:
   His father (Amon) and grandfather (Manasseh) were wicked kings. Josiah became a king at 8 and began to seek God at the age of 16 (2 Chron. 34:3). He made a generational change that set him on a different course from his father and grandfather. He aspired to lead out of his faithfulness to God.
2. Josiah Repaired the Temple and Removed the Idols:
   He was a king of integrity and had the goal to make things right. He saw the neglect and destruction brought about by the reign of his ancestors. He worked to bring many things back into balance. He even worked to destroy a cult in Bethel that was in the northern Kingdom of Israel. He wanted to eliminate idolatry and centralize worship in Jerusalem.
3. Josiah Returned to Obedience to God’s Word:
   They found the Book of Law during their repairs to the temple. Josiah realizes how far they had gone from obedience to the law of God when he reads it. He repents on behalf of his people and brings the reading of the Law to them.
4. Josiah Led Renewal
   Josiah turned the nation back to God (2 Chron. 35:18). He orchestrated a great Passover celebration. He brought to the forefront the covenant they had with God and directed his people to renew that covenant.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Josiah removed idols and false worship. What are our idols? Where do we engage in false worship?
2. Have you had an encounter with Scripture that caused you to change course?
3. Take a moment to think about some Scriptures that have been foundational in your life. How have they shaped and guided you?

"The Word of Scripture should never stop sounding in your ears and working in you all day long, just like the words of someone you love." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Happening at MDPC