A Godly Man



2 Kings 22:1-20
http://www.esvbible.org/2 Kings 22:1-20

The influence and impact of women on the biblical narrative is often overlooked to our detriment. Today we read the story of Josiah, one of Judah’s most godly kings. He was the son of Amon and the grandson of Manasseh and we have already established that neither of them loved or served God. But in the beginning of Josiah’s story we are introduced to his mother, Jedidah. Since it is clear Josiah didn’t learn the faith from his father or grandfather, we must assume that he was well schooled by his mom and the message fell onto a willing heart. At the tender age of 8, he is made king, which means that his education and preparation for leadership was attended to by his mother. She was also largely responsible for leading the country until Josiah was old enough to take control of his role as king.

Because he has been raised to be a godly man, when given the reins of power he begins to make serious changes in the spiritual lives of his people. All of the idol worship is removed from the country and the temple is restored. Worship of the Living God returns to Judah. In the midst of renovating the temple, a copy of what is believed to have been the book of Deuteronomy is found and upon hearing the Word of this book Josiah is cut to the core with the need for repentance. He takes the words to heart and become even more fervent in his love for God and desire to bring Judah back into true worship. Because of his devotion, God promises to withhold His hand of judgment until after Josiah has died. The apostasy will continue in future generations, but for the time being, God is pleased.

The writer of the book of Hebrews shares this often quoted passage. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrew 4:12) In the story of Josiah we find that to truly be the case. Because he has been brought to faith through the teaching of his mother, when those Words hit heart he is malleable and willing to be impacted by them. It is a fantastic gift to be molded and shaped by the Word of God.

Have you had moments in your life when in the midst of hearing the Word you have been moved or your thinking and behavior have been changed? God’s Word has that power through the working of the Holy Spirit. That is why we read and study every day so that our character and be informed and transformed by God Himself. It is a most powerful tool in the hands of God when it comes to shaping who you are in Him.

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