G - GET RID OF IDOLS (2 Chronicles 34:1-8)

God hates idols. They become snares that weigh us down in life (Psalm 106:36) and are worthless (Jeremiah 2:5).

At 20 years old, King Josiah began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of their idols (2 Chronicles 34:3). People back then thought that Baal (god of sun and rain) and Asherah (goddess of moon and fertility) were the sources of prosperity, success, comfort, and security (v.4). But by completely getting rid of these idols, Josiah implied that these are the wrong places to look for these things. (v.5, 7). When all the idols were gone, he then began restoring God’s temple and, in the process, found the Book of the Law of the Lord, which they thought was lost.

The Christian life is a journey, and God knows us so well that He understands that we unknowingly have idols at times. As we learn and grow, we realize that there are things in our lives that do not please God. As God teaches us, we respond in obedience, and when we get rid of idols, our lives become open to God’s blessing.

Truth: True life and joy is found in the right ordering of our lives with God as the center.

Application: Surrender and get rid of any modern-day idol.

O - OBEY HIS WORD (2 Chronicles 34:19-21, 24-33)

When Josiah realized he and his people have been disobedient for years (vv.19-21), they were filled with repentance and worshipped God. The king read the book of the Law to the people and made a covenant before the Lord to walk after Him (vv.29-31). All those who were there also did according to the covenant (vv.32-33). Throughout the lifetime of Josiah, they did not turn from following the Lord.

God’s word changes us. It is the key to obedience (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). It’s like an oasis in the desert: in Josiah’s case, one good king in between bad ones changed an entire lifetime. We can do this in our generation!

Truth: God has His commands for your protection and lasting joy.

Application: Don’t delay. Obey right away to experience joy all the way.

D - DEPEND ON HIM (2 Chronicles 35:18)

When King Josiah found God’s word, they immediately made a covenant and celebrated the Passover unlike any since the time of Samuel. This young king chose to be different from his father and his grandfather. He put in his heart to get rid of idols and obey.

The Passover feast reminded the Jews that they cannot save themselves and that they needed God. They needed the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. For us, Jesus is our Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7b). We cannot even start to get rid of idols or obey God unless we first receive His gift of salvation (Romans 6:23, John 3:16). Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. We do not add to it or take away from it. Someday we will be asked whether we were faithful in our salvation, in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to His word. We will be held to account for how we live today, so let us depend on Jesus and obey (Galatians 5:16).

Truth: Faith in Jesus alone saves us and by His power alone can we let go of idols and obey.

Application: Trust in Jesus alone for salvation and then rely on Him to surrender and obey!