The revival and recommitment to the Law that Josiah led involved the destruction of many things that were not of the Lord, and the restoration of many things that were. This is how revival looks, both in a nation and in our own lives.

If we have found ourselves sliding away from the Lord, the return journey will require not only returning to a life that honours God, but also letting go of things that do not honour him. Josiah took great care to make sure that the altars and worship objects created for false gods were not only removed but utterly destroyed. This is the ‘no turning back’ repentance that the Lord seeks.

Sadly, although Josiah’s repentance and the changes he made showed that he, as king, truly honoured the Lord, God knew that the hearts of the people were not wholly towards him. The revival turned out to be temporary. Josiah’s reforms did not save Judah from the coming destruction that was God’s judgement for so many decades of disobedience and even his own sons did not follow in his footsteps.

Josiah may have led the people in this return to the Lord, but clearly the people did not follow him too closely as they were quick to wander away without his leadership. God was looking for a people who would choose to serve him wholeheartedly and he still is. Whether our leaders – of the nation or of our churches – lead us well or not, the responsibility for living a life that honours God lies with us and us alone.

May God strengthen us so that, no matter what is happening around us, our faith is strong and secure and our lives serve to bring him glory and honour.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH