Ebenezer January 12, 2025 "King Josiah"
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"Renewing Our Faith: Lessons from King Josiah"
Giving honor to God
To our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
To Rev Powe
To Rev LJ
To Elder Johnson
To Rev Levens
To Our Deacons
To Our Trustees, Officers, and Members
Good Morning
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It is an honor and privilege to be here with you this morning.
I give all glory, honor, and praise to God for allowing me to be a vessel for a time such as this.
Introduction
Opening prayer and scripture reading:
Prayer
Read 2 Kings 22:1-2
Brief introduction to King Josiah and his historical context:
Josiah was the King of Judah from approximately 640 to 609 BC.
Josiah was the son of King Amon and the grandson of King Manasseh.
Both of wicked kings of Judah.
Joshiah was a Godly king.
Josiah is committed to doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Josiah’s father King Amon was assassinated by his on servants.
When Josiah became king, Judah was practicing idolatry and in a state of moral decline which plagued the nation.
Parallels could be drawn between the spiritual and moral challenges of Josiah's time and those we face today.
I. Josiah's Early Life and Background
Josiah became king at the age of eight after the assassination of his father, Amon.
Verses 1 and 2 point out Josiah walked in all the ways of David and never turned to the left or the right.
Despite the negative influences of his father and grandfather, Josiah chose to follow the example of his ancestor, King David.
This passage of scripture helps us to understand the importance of making righteous choices and seeking to do God's will, even from a youthful age.
I want to encourage our young people and those new in faith to be bold in their commitment to God, regardless of their surroundings.
II. Discovery of the Book of the Law
Scriptural Reference: 2 Kings 22:3-10
Temple renovation project:
At the age of twenty-six years old and the 18th year of his reign, Josiah ordered repairs to the Temple, which had fallen into disrepair due to neglect.
During the renovations, Hilkiah the high priest discovered the Book of the Law, likely the book of Deuteronomy.
Josiah's reaction:
Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in mourning, recognizing how far Judah had strayed from God's commands.
Josiah’s actions speak to the transformative power of God's Word and the importance of returning to it regularly.
This is why it is important to read and study the Bible consistently, allowing it to guide and transform our lives.
III. Josiah's Reforms
Scriptural Reference: 2 Kings 22:11-20, 2 Kings 23:1-25
Consultation with the prophetess Huldah:
Josiah sought guidance from Huldah, who confirmed that God's judgment was imminent but assured Josiah of God's favor due to his humble repentance.
Although Huldah is mentioned only here in the scriptures, some have suggested that her husband Shallum was related to Jeremiah.
Huldah takes her place beside several other prophetesses in the scriptures, such as Miriam and Deborah.
This woman was an authoritative agent for the transmission of the word of God to the highest authorities in the land of Judah.
She served at the same time as other Godly Prophets such as Jeremiah and Zephaniah.
National repentance and renewal of the covenant:
Josiah gathered all the people and read the Book of the Law to them, leading them in renewing their covenant with God.
Purging the land of idolatry:
Josiah took drastic measures to remove all forms of idolatry from Judah, including destroying high places, idols, and pagan altars.
Celebration of the Passover:
Josiah reinstituted the celebration of Passover, which had been neglected for many years, in accordance with the instructions in the Book of the Law.
Josaih’s righteous leadership brought about spiritual renewal.
This required courage and commitment to make significant changes and remove sin from their lives.
I want to challenge the congregation to identify and remove "idols" in your lives, be they material possessions, unhealthy habits, or anything that takes precedence over your relationship with God.
IV. Lessons from Josiah's Reign
Key Lessons:
We Must Seek God's Will:
Josiah's humility in seeking guidance from the prophetess Huldah serves as an example of the importance of seeking God's will in our lives.
There is power in the Scripture:
The rediscovery of the Book of the Law and its impact on Josiah and the nation of Judah highlights the transformative power of God's Word.
We must have genuine repentance:
Josiah's immediate and heartfelt response to God's Word demonstrates the importance of genuine repentance and a commitment to follow God's commands.
We must have Godly leadership:
Josiah's leadership shows how a godly leader can positively influence a nation and bring about spiritual renewal.
We must have application of the scripture:
I want to encourage the congregation to prioritize regular Bible reading and study, allowing God's Word to guide their lives.
I want to challenge everyone including our youth to examine your lives for "idols" and commit to removing anything that hinders your relationship with God.
I want Emphasize the importance of Godly leadership in families, churches, and communities, and encourage individuals to lead by example.
Conclusion
We can learn from lessons from Josiah's life and reign, and understanding the importance of seeking God's will, the power of scripture, genuine repentance, and godly leadership.
1. Josiah shows the influence a person have from a very young age. Children have enormous potential to live for God and to have a great impact.
2. Josiah lived a life fully committed and obedient to God and was blessed for it.
3. Josiah properly responded to God’s word.
Call to action:
I want to encourage you to reflect on your own lives and seek personal and spiritual renewal with our Lord and Savior.
He is: Jesus
The Redeemer
The Bread of Life
The Lord
The Creator
The Son of the Living God
He is Jesus
The only Begotten Son
The Beloved Sons
The Holy One of Israel
The King of King
The Head of the Church
He is Jesus
The High Priest
The Almighty
The Alpha and Omega
The Beginning and the End
The Lilly in the Valley
He is Jesus
He’s Been Good Church
He’s Been Good
He’s Been Good
He’s Been Mighty Mighty
Mighty Mighty
Mighty Mighty Good
We have all been bought for a price.
Jesus went to Calvary.
The reason he had to go to the cross was to glorify His Father in the Salvation of sinners.
He came to do for us that which we could never do for ourselves: He came to save us from our sins.
Jesus was condemned as a criminal and was executed by crucifixion at Calvary.
Christ by Himself, for his people, fulfilled all the conditions of the everlasting covenant of grace.
He insured the salvation of all whom he represented, all for whom He lived, obeyed, died, and arose again.
He shall not lose even one of them as His
Righteousness demands our salvation and final glory.
He paid our debt in full, and we must receive the benefits of his Payment.
To say that even one could finally perish is to cast shame and reproach upon His blood and His righteousness.
Just as sin demands death, righteousness demands life.
Let us Stand.
The doors of the church are open.
I want to tell you about a NIL deal today.
We are all created in the Name, Image, and Likeness of our loving Father.
Romans 10:9 says “That if thou confess with thy mouth the lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that god hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
If today was the last day of your life, do you know where you would spend eternity?
Will there be one?
You may come as a candidate for baptism.
You may come by letter.
You may come on Christian experience.
Maybe you are in search of a church Home.
Maybe you are in need of Prayer.
It is prayer time.
Now unto him that can keep you from failing, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion, and power, both now and ever. Let us all say Amen.