Josiah, Who Tore His Heart Before God’s Word

This passage tells how Josiah, king of the southern kingdom of Judah, read the Book of the Law that had been found by chance while the temple was being repaired, and tore his heart and wept before God. Josiah grew up surrounded by widespread idolatry and spiritual corruption, yet he remembered God's grace and lived humbly before the Word. He shows that true restoration begins with rediscovering the Word that had been lost, and emphasizes that the Word must stand at the center of life, not outward religious routine.

The sermon points to how Josiah responded when he heard the Word: without excuses or rationalizing, he confessed his sin and wept. God's word can make us uncomfortable by exposing our sin and hypocrisy, but that is evidence of a living spirit responding. Josiah did not despair at the word of judgment but sought God's will, and he received God's heart through Huldah, an ordinary prophetess. Even in the midst of judgment on all of Judah, God did not turn away from Josiah's broken spirit and contrite heart.

We must admit that we are not perfect people but sinners, and come to the grace of the cross. What is the secret to becoming that one person who humbles themselves and tears their heart before God's word, and so brings life to their family and church?