2 Kings 23: With all your heart and soul and strength!

Verse 25:

Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the Lord as he did—with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses.

◇ King Josiah began a significant reform according to the Book of the Law found during the repair of the temple. The reform was not carried out by the king alone; elders, priests, prophets, and people of all ages gathered to hear the Book of the Law and participate. The widespread involvement from all sectors of society made this extensive reform possible.

The scale of the reform was such that it encompassed everything from the temple to the high places throughout Israel, from those established in Solomon's time to those built more recently. Idols and altars were torn down, burned, crushed, and scattered. To abolish and destroy practices that had been carried out for hundreds of years, and that were widespread throughout the country, was no easy task. It was not something the king could do on his own. Without the cooperation of the elders, prophets, priests, and people, it would have been impossible.

The Bible does not mention any voices opposing this reform, but were there really none? It is likely there was significant opposition. Josiah's successors, Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim, did evil in the eyes of the Lord. This indicates that they failed to continue Josiah's reforms and reverted to idolatry. The fact that the extensive reforms did not continue shows the magnitude of the opposition.

Despite such opposition, Josiah's reform was indeed carried out with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his strength. It is no easy task to completely eradicate deeply rooted evils with such dedication and effort.

Is there anyone or any church among you trying to break with old customs and attempting reform? Even with all your heart and soul and strength, it will be difficult. But do not be afraid; trust in God and pray for the members of your community, persuading and working together to achieve reform.

Lord, before your Father's wrath begins, help us to uproot the evils completely! We cannot do it alone, so grant us cooperation! May our families, churches, and nation abandon old customs and become churches that please you! Holy Spirit, lead us in truth!