Character Study : Josiah

"And before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him." 1 Kings 23:25

Wow. I wish such a verse could be said of me when I go. Josiah was a man completely and totally turned over to God. He was made king when he was only eight years old, but in his life he accomplished so much for God.

I urge you to read the whole story of Josiah. It begins in chapter 22, and goes until verse 30 of chapter 23. It is an amazing story of a man on fire for God. Where does all this zeal come from? Well, apparently the law of Moses had been hidden away for many, many years. Someone had found it in the temple and read it in Josiah's presence. The result was awesome:

"And it came about when the king heard the words of the book of the law, that he tore his clothes. . . saying 'Go, inquire of the Lord for me and the people and all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that burns against us, because our fathers have not listening to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us." 1 Kings 22:11+13

After this, Josiah went on a zeal campaign for God. He had the first passover in hundreds of years, destroyed tons of altars to false gods, put to death mediums and spiritists, and re-established true worship in the temple of God.

What can we learn from this amazing man of God? What I take from this is the importance to be totally given over to God in everything. God can use you mightily whether you are a king or a pauper, so long as you are zealous for His name and for His fame. I urge you to seek His fame in all you do!