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2 Kings 22:2, He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.

In today’s chapter, we meet King Josiah.  To say Josiah was the product of a dysfunctional family would be a gross understatement.  His grandfather was evil and his father was evil.  They worshiped other gods; they did everything wrong in the eyes of Yahweh.  His father was so disliked that his own servants end up assassinating him.  I can only imagine how terrible it was to live in the palace at the time.

Josiah comes to the throne at age eight.  Today’s Scripture says that he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  I can’t help but wonder how Josiah knew to follow Yahweh.  We really don’t know many details about his life.  But somehow, someway, Josiah knew right from wrong and chose to do right. At age eighteen, he starts to rebuild the temple (which had fallen into disrepair after so many sinful kings), and the Book of the Law is discovered.  Josiah tears his clothing, a sign of grief and sorrow, when he hears the words of the law read aloud and realizes just how far the nation of Judah had drifted from God’s standard. 

A couple things jump out at me after reading today’s text.  First, just because someone’s family is dysfunctional, abusive, evil, or lost, doesn’t mean they are doomed to the same fate.  Josiah’s family history was atrocious but he didn’t fall into the same pattern as his father and grandfather.  We serve a God who redeems people, rescues, provides freedom and a path for true transformation.  Maybe you grew up in a really messy family situation; that does not define you!  Who you are in Jesus Christ is what truly defines you.  Partnering with God, your legacy can be different from your past.  There is always hope, always room for redemption.

One other reflection from this text is that the Word of God read aloud has power.  When Josiah heard the Book of the Law read for the first time, he was forever changed.  He was repentant.  He was convicted.  His heart was transformed and he had the desire to serve God and lead others to do the same.  Never discount the power of God’s Word. 

Let’s pray…Lord Almighty, Help us always seek you, choosing to do what is right in your eyes, even when it’s hard or unpopular.  Lord, I also pray that I can fall more in love with your Word, allowing it to transform my heart and life.  I love you, Jesus, and I need you.  More of you, less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.