II Kings 22 and 23: 1-27
"Josiah and the Seven Cs, or How to Live a Life of Integrity"

First, we see the importance of a covenantal relationship. (23: 3) God had kept his side of the agreement in His covenant with Israel, but Israel had not.  The most important aspect of keeping covenant was obedience to God, and clearly Israel had not. 
Josiah's own grandfather Manasseh had introduced terrible idolatrous practices to Judah.  In the reading of the Book of the Law, (probably the end of the book of Deuteronomy), Josiah realized how far Judah had strayed, and he was appropriately distressed.  He reaffirms that covenant  Similarly, we should understand the importance and solemnity of our own relationship with God, and obedience to his commands.  After all, we have a High Priest in Jesus Christ who allows us to be in a new covenant with God, as the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews discusses.   But that agreement should free us toward a true and holy practice of love and service to one another, not seeking our own selfish direction. 

Secondly, we see the importance of confession (22: 11-13).  After Josiah realizes the covenant has been abrogated, he rends his clothes, a classic sign in the Old Testament of confession and desire for repentance; he verbally expresses his contrition.  If we have done wrong, we must realize it (like Josiah), regret and turn away from those areas where we have sinned, and change our behavior patterns (which is what "repent", to turn or change, means).  It is notable here that Josiah not only expresses regret, but really, really, really changes behavior!  There is no doubt that he is serious in his attempt to move the nation toward obedience to God.  Confession is an important step when we recognize that we have fallen short of God's holiness and are flawed in our decision-making and to some extent in our character.  It is a way for us to begin the "realignment" between ourselves and God. 

Third, we see the importance of consistency. (22: 2; 23: 4-15) Psalm 1 perhaps best expresses this type of behavior...a tree planted by the streams of water.  Josiah does not waffle in his obedience.  It is clear that Manasseh and other Judean kings who strayed from the covenantal relationship with God primarily were trying to just keep up with their neighbors and the extant culture.  How much are you compromising your Christian faith with the cultural seeming-imperatives around you?  Our behaviors need to be consistent with Scriptural principles, and not with our culture's standards.  Note that college days are not a "hall pass" for avoiding doing what God wants.  Josiah was consistent in his behaviors in all his days.  Note that the reason why Manasseh introduced many of the abhorrent activities...including, by the way, child sacrifice...was that he was "keeping up" with the neighboring societies.  In contrast, Josiah did not take an opinion poll to decide if he was going to remove the Asherah pole! 

Fourth, we see the importance of wise counsel (22: 3-14).  Hilkiah the high priest help Josiah to see the right way.  It isn't clear from the story whether Hilkiah had known that the books of the law would be found when the temple reconstruction was conducted.  But it is clear that he and others understood the message of the Scriptures, and they were able to communicate effectively to Josiah what he should read.  To his credit, Josiah listens to the high priest and the other counselors.  (That is in stark contrast of Josiah's ancestor Rehoboam who only listened to those who reinforced his own preferences).  When you make decisions, it is important to apply Josiah's use of wise counsel.  It is easy to surround yourself with people who will validate your decisions (whether Godly or not).  It is very important to surround yourself with people who are Godly, and seek their advice in important decisions.  That will help you avoid lurching into inappropriate, immoral or just stupid decisions.  The key is finding people who demonstrate in their lives a strong commitment to the Lord, and make Godly decisions.  Sometimes, of course, wise counsel may be forced to tell you unpleasant or difficult things, as did the counselors of Josiah.  Sometimes the counselors will be as a "refiner's fire."  But if we listen to that wise counsel, we can prepare ourselves toward doing great things for the Lord, as did Josiah. 

Note: it is interesting that Huldah is one of the main counselors. 

Fifth, we see the importance of caring about Scripture.  (22: 8-14) Josiah and the counselors took the Scriptures seriously.  They did not suggest that "well, that was for the Israelites in that day", or "we don't need to listen to that in our modern 7th century BC (sic) culture."  Josiah recognized that the Scriptural principles were valid for his day just as they had been with Moses, and in that context, he knew that his country was in trouble.  The question is, are we really going to take the Scriptures seriously?  Will we understand the Scriptures when they apply to our own behaviors?  While I believe true doubt is important to address, and sometimes exegesis is difficult, I have also observed that Christians sometimes doubt the validity of certain Scriptural principles primarily so they can violate them.  Josiah had a great deal of integrity, and listened carefully to what the Scriptures said, despite the life changes that were required as a result of paying attention to them. 

Sixth, we see the importance of celebrating Passover (23: 21-23).  Passover was celebrated more extensively by Josiah than anyone else.  This was important not just because Passover was commanded to be celebrated, and not just because it reminded those in Judah of God's mighty acts in history, but also because Passover was a time for confession and reflection, and a reminder of the need for holiness and sacrifice.  Similarly, we are commanded to celebrate Communion, and to carefully consider our own state before the Lord.  The celebration of Passover reminded those in Judah of their covenant with God, just as communion reminds us of our relationship with God. 

Finally, we see the compassion of God, who does not bring chaos down on Judah during the reign of Josiah to honor his choices and humility, but instead brings relative calm.  While it is true that Josiah died in battle, the true force and fury of invasion and destruction did not occur during Josiah's time, but instead waited for the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.  God often honors our "baby steps" toward obedience and gives us overflowing grace to deal with our personal situations. 

Josiah is not seen as "perfect" in his context.  His decision to go up against the king of Egypt is clearly an error in judgment.  Sometimes even those of us who want to be Godly do not listen to that inner voice of God's Spirit trying to direct us away from dubious decisions.  But Josiah's disastrous decision is not clearly a result of sin per se, and we can see Josiah (related to the name Joshua, related to name Jesus) as a type of Christ, who ushers in the kingdom of God during his lifetime.  He is clearly a man of integrity.

[Sermon by Dr. Bud Hamilton]