Model is a word that is used often. It is used in two definitions. One is as a replica of something already existing. Architects use “model” in this way as do those who do scale models of airplanes for example. The other definition is of a demonstrator of something else. A fashion model demonstrates the clothing of others. We see it used as a “model” citizen or a symbol of excellence. Here we see a model king. We need to learn from him as we ask ourselves what type of Christian am I. Are we empty shelled replicas that would fall apart as a model airplane would if you tried to fly it? This man did not replicate his father’s evil ways. On the contrary, he would, by his own decision, set forth an example for God’s people throughout the ages.
II Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. 2 And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. 25 And like unto him was there no king before him, that 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; neither after him arose there any like him.
No other king earned the words from the Lord that Josiah did. Chapter 23:25 says “neither after him arose there any like him.” He was this type of king because he was that type of man. That is the same with us. Josiah was one of Israel’s best kings but the most unlikely prospect to be so. He was an example despite what happened around him. The chances of his being so successful were the least of any other. This shows us that regardless of the examples of those and the world around us we can be one ourselves. The church sure needs such examples today.
At 8 years old Josiah took the throne; he was also the youngest to die at 39. He died defending God and his people. He set the standard. His father Amon was one of the worst kings having the throne in Israel. He was the son of another bad king, Manasseh; he offered his own children to idols. Amon was so wicked that his own servants killed him. And this is the circumstance that exalted the 8 year old Josiah as king. He was raised under the influence of a wicked man and saw his father die for that. However his mother had taught him the ways of the Lord. Josiah chose not to follow the example of his father and chose to the Lord. He decided that regardless of circumstances he would do the right thing. Josiah received his name from his father. For 300 years the kings had heathen names. Probably unknowing to Amon, the name Josiah means “him who Jehovah heals.” He looked to the Lord for the help he needed for his own healing.
He had reason to go against his name, but verse 2 says that “he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord…and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” He decided that Israel needed a fresh start as well as he did. He reigned 31 years and led his country in the ways of God. Verse 19 says his heart was tender and he humbled himself before the Lord. He sought after God and not himself. AND THEN HE STUCK TO HIS GUNS and DIDN’T SWAY RIGHT OR LEFT.
Verse 5 says he saw the needed repair of the house of God and made it happen. He gathered the people together and brought them to the house of worship. Our communities need to see us come together as a church. Hilkiah the high priest found a copy of the low there and Shaphan the scribe went to Josiah. When it was read to the king, he rent his clothes. How we need to listen to the words of God. They are our very life. He gathered the people together so they could hear the word of the Lord. He cleaned out the house of God and in this manner turned the hearts of the people back to God. God Himself commended Josiah for tendering his heart and humbling his spirit unto Him. Oh, that God could say this of us!
All of his reign, he treated the people like he wanted to be treated. His influence was so great that we find that three prophets were called of God during his reign. Zephaniah felt burdened and came out for the Lord. In the 13th year of his reign Jeremiah became a prophet of God. He spoke of the king in Lamentations of the death of the king and the effect it would have on Israel’s faith. Just before Josiah died, Nahum spoke up for the Lord. And this all happened because ONE man decided to take a stand. ONE man was a model.
The Egyptians were on their way to fight against the Assyrians. Pharoah-Necho planned to just short-cut through the land of Israel and do some damage there as well. This model king of the Hebrews would not sit back and let God’s enemy barge right through. Josiah himself forced their hand into the valley of Megiddo and overcame them. During this warfare he received he suffered a mortal wound. He was carried back to Jerusalem by his servants. Indeed, he gave his very own life to his final breath for his people, his nation, and most of, to his God.
Israel fell back into sin after this, but they never forgot the King Josiah. He gave himself and died a young age for the Lord. “AND THERE WAS NO KING BEFORE HIM THAT TURNED TO THE LORD WITH ALL HIS HEART, AND WITH ALL HIS SOUL AND WITH ALL HIS MIGHT, ACCORDING TO THE LAW OF MOSES; NEITHER AFTER HIM AROSE THERE ANY LIKE HIM.
I want to be a Josiah and do my best to be a demonstration, not a replica, of a Christian.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 