Nougat 13

Today’s Holy Nougat serves as another reminder that no one is outside the scope of God’s grace.

“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭34:1, 3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

He was a king’s kid. In fact, before he could even begin to appreciate his childhood fully, he was thrust in the role of king. Not just king of any country, but King of Judah. He was a direct descendant of David. History has been kind to him, indicating that by the age of 16, he was a God-chaser.

This is significant, as other young kings both in the North and the South (Israel and Judah) made alternate choices. They preferred the advice of those who were not necessarily God-fearing. Of course, while we appreciate the decision he made, it is evident that there would have been those who were negatively impacted by his decision. Some of whom were his own family members. Remember, it was a king who decided on the official religion of the land, and evidently, his father had not made as great strides in undoing the practices his father (Josiah’s grandfather) Manasseh, instituted. 2 Kings 21 indicates that Manasseh was a child king, taking the throne at 12. But he was ruthlessly pagan, to the extent of instituting child sacrifice.

Walking away from a family legacy is hard. Walking away from institutionalized generational witchcraft is perhaps even harder. When we hear mention of child sacrifices, many of us can’t begin to fathom what that involves. I can’t speak to the extent of it, but I realize that this is high level occultism/witchcraft that would probably have included establishing legacies of idolatry in exchange for securing power. In opting at 16, to choose the God of Abraham, Deborah and David, Josiah was making a very bold step of faith. He must have weighed his options, and chose to walk away from the ways of his grandfather.

We have no idea why he made that choice. But we know he did. And this was reflected in ethical business practices. Imagine the surprise in the kingdoms around him! Ironically, his decision resulted in the rediscovery of the Mosaic Laws. And while some argue that this was absolutely convenient, the rediscovery and institution of same transformed – albeit temporarily – the ways of Judah! Josiah’s response resulted in the elevation of a woman prophet Huldah, who revealed the unvarnished Word from the Lord: destruction for Judah. There was a caveat, Josiah was to be spared for his humility.

Rather than remain comfortable with the promise of his own salvation, Josiah still went forward with the religious reforms he started. He wanted to save as many from the pending doom that was prophesied. His actions resulted in the renewal of covenants and the destruction of shrines and altars.

In our own contexts, we might feel that we are too insignificant to undo the years of generational practices in our families. He must have had help (destiny helpers and spiritual influencers), but ultimately, Josiah was one man. Yes, he was a king – you might be a CEO or leader of equal importance in your home, church, community or country. The fact is revival requires one person seeking God with all our heart. That in turn influences others to do and be likewise, and as time progresses, and with consistency revival erupts. That too is the value of an influential God-Chaser.

Lord, amp our desire to seek you so that others may join in this revival before it’s too late for the entire world. We give you the leaders of the world; touch their hearts so that they may be true God-chasers, sparking revival and transformation in a world that is dying for You. In Jesus name, amen.

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May all we seek be found in Christ