Embracing Surrender: Lessons from King Josiah
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we reflected on the journey of our church over the past seven years, celebrating the growth and transformation that God has brought about. We then transitioned into a new series on the Book of Daniel, beginning with the context in which Daniel's faith was formed. We explored the story of King Josiah from 2 Kings 22-23, who, at a young age, sought God and initiated the repair of the temple, leading to the rediscovery of the Book of the Law. Josiah's response to this discovery was one of deep repentance and a commitment to align his life and his kingdom with God's commands.
We discussed the importance of understanding the cultural and historical context of Josiah's time, noting how the people of God had abandoned the temple and lost the law. Josiah's actions were not just about physical repairs but about spiritual renewal. He sought to reorient the hearts of the people towards God, emphasizing the need for a posture of surrender before diving into specific actions.
We also examined the modern cultural tension between self-expression and the constraints of religious life, highlighting that true freedom and authentic expression come from aligning our lives with God's design. Josiah's story teaches us that spiritual growth often involves a process of surrender, stopping harmful practices, and establishing new rhythms of faithfulness.
Finally, we connected Josiah's reforms to the upbringing of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, showing how their faith was shaped by the revival and reforms initiated by Josiah. This foundation enabled them to stand firm in their faith even in the face of exile and immense pressure in Babylon.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Surrender: Josiah's story emphasizes the importance of a posture of surrender to God. Before taking any action, Josiah tore his clothes in repentance, symbolizing his internal commitment to align with God's will. This act of surrender is crucial for spiritual growth, as it reorients our hearts towards God and prepares us for genuine transformation. [42:10]
2. Identifying and Removing Idols: Josiah's reforms included the removal of idols and false worship practices. In our lives, idols can take many forms, such as career ambitions, personal achievements, or even self-reliance. Identifying and removing these idols is essential for aligning our lives with God's purposes and experiencing true freedom. [01:04:20]
3. Establishing Rhythms of Faithfulness: Josiah reinstated the celebration of Passover, grounding the people's identity in God's deliverance. Similarly, we need to establish rhythms of faithfulness in our lives, such as regular prayer, worship, and community involvement, to continually remind ourselves of God's presence and promises. [01:08:03]
4. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth: Josiah gathered the entire community to hear the Book of the Law and make a covenant with God. This collective commitment highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Being part of a faith community provides support, accountability, and encouragement as we seek to live out our faith. [56:06]
5. The Impact of a God-Centered Upbringing: Daniel's faith was shaped by the revival and reforms of Josiah's reign. This underscores the significance of a God-centered upbringing and the influence of a faith-filled community. As parents, mentors, and community members, we have the responsibility to model and instill faith in the next generation, preparing them to stand firm in their beliefs. [01:13:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:16] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
[31:13] - Transition to the Book of Daniel
[32:10] - Narrative Dip Explanation
[33:38] - Historical Context of 2 Kings 22-23
[35:01] - The Lost Book of the Law
[36:32] - Josiah's Early Reign and Seeking God
[38:12] - Repairing the Temple
[39:00] - Discovery of the Book of the Law
[40:06] - Josiah's Response to the Law
[42:10] - Practical Application: Surrender
[43:08] - Cultural Tension: Self-Expression vs. God's Will
[45:38] - Multiple Authentic Selves
[47:11] - Personal Reflection on Academic Struggles
[49:00] - Josiah's Cultural Context and Response
[49:59] - The Role of God's Wrath
[52:05] - The Importance of God's Justice
[53:15] - Consulting the Prophet Huldah
[54:16] - Josiah's Humility and Faithfulness
[55:17] - Public Reading of the Law
[56:06] - Emphasizing Posture Over Practice
[58:26] - Bounded vs. Centered Set
[01:01:03] - Growth Through Surrender
[01:02:41] - Stop Doing List: Addressing Idolatry
[01:04:20] - Identifying and Removing Idols
[01:08:03] - Establishing Rhythms of Faithfulness
[01:09:21] - The Importance of Order in Spiritual Practices
[01:11:14] - Connecting Josiah's Reforms to Daniel's Upbringing
[01:13:02] - Daniel's Faith in Exile
[01:14:52] - Practical Steps for Surrender
[01:16:36] - Prayer for Surrender and Faithfulness
[01:18:17] - Worship and Community Response
[01:32:39] - Church Picnic Announcement
[01:33:33] - Introduction of Lisa Foster
[01:34:24] - Prayer for Women's Ministry
[01:36:52] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 22:1-2 - "Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left."
2. 2 Kings 22:8-11 - "Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, 'I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.' He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: 'Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple.' Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, 'Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.' And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes."
3. 2 Kings 23:1-3 - "Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. He went up to the temple of the Lord with the people of Judah, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets—all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the Lord. The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant."
### Observation Questions
1. What actions did King Josiah take upon discovering the Book of the Law? ([40:06])
2. How did Josiah's reforms impact the community's worship practices? ([01:08:03])
3. What was the cultural and spiritual state of the temple and the people before Josiah's reforms? ([35:01])
4. How did Josiah's response to the Book of the Law demonstrate his commitment to God? ([42:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is Josiah's act of tearing his clothes significant in the context of his time and culture? ([40:56])
2. How does the story of Josiah illustrate the importance of community in spiritual renewal? ([56:06])
3. What does Josiah's decision to consult the prophet Huldah instead of Jeremiah suggest about his approach to seeking God's guidance? ([53:15])
4. How did the cultural and historical context of Josiah's reign influence his actions and decisions? ([33:38])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to surrender a part of your life to God. How did that experience shape your faith? ([42:10])
2. What are some modern-day idols that might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you identify and remove them? ([01:04:20])
3. What rhythms of faithfulness (e.g., prayer, worship, community involvement) can you establish or strengthen in your life to stay grounded in God's presence? ([01:08:03])
4. How can you foster a posture of surrender in your daily life, especially in moments of decision-making or crisis? ([01:01:03])
5. In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth of your community, similar to how Josiah gathered the people to hear the Book of the Law? ([56:06])
6. How can you model a God-centered upbringing for the next generation, as seen in the influence of Josiah's reforms on Daniel and his friends? ([01:13:02])
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to stop a harmful practice and replace it with a new rhythm of faithfulness. What steps will you take this week to make that change? ([01:02:41])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Surrender
Description: Josiah's story emphasizes the importance of a posture of surrender to God. Before taking any action, Josiah tore his clothes in repentance, symbolizing his internal commitment to align with God's will. This act of surrender is crucial for spiritual growth, as it reorients our hearts towards God and prepares us for genuine transformation. Josiah's humility and willingness to submit to God's authority set a powerful example for us today. By surrendering our own desires and plans, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [42:10]
Bible Passage: "And when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, 'Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.'" (2 Kings 22:11-13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Identifying and Removing Idols
Description: Josiah's reforms included the removal of idols and false worship practices. In our lives, idols can take many forms, such as career ambitions, personal achievements, or even self-reliance. Identifying and removing these idols is essential for aligning our lives with God's purposes and experiencing true freedom. Josiah's determination to cleanse the land of idolatry serves as a reminder that we must be vigilant in examining our own hearts and lives for anything that takes precedence over our relationship with God. By removing these idols, we create space for God to work more fully in and through us. [01:04:20]
Bible Passage: "And the king commanded all the people, 'Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.' For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the Lord in Jerusalem." (2 Kings 23:21-23, ESV)
Reflection: What are some modern-day idols in your life that you need to identify and remove? How can you take practical steps to eliminate these distractions and refocus on God?
Day 3: Establishing Rhythms of Faithfulness
Description: Josiah reinstated the celebration of Passover, grounding the people's identity in God's deliverance. Similarly, we need to establish rhythms of faithfulness in our lives, such as regular prayer, worship, and community involvement, to continually remind ourselves of God's presence and promises. These spiritual disciplines help us stay connected to God and grow in our faith. By creating consistent habits of devotion, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and remain steadfast in our walk with Him. [01:08:03]
Bible Passage: "And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord." (2 Kings 23:2, ESV)
Reflection: What new spiritual rhythms can you establish in your daily life to help you stay grounded in your faith? How can you make these practices a regular part of your routine?
Day 4: The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Description: Josiah gathered the entire community to hear the Book of the Law and make a covenant with God. This collective commitment highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Being part of a faith community provides support, accountability, and encouragement as we seek to live out our faith. The shared experience of worship, study, and service helps us grow together and strengthens our individual and collective faith. By engaging with our faith community, we can find the support we need to navigate the challenges of life and remain faithful to God's calling. [56:06]
Bible Passage: "And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant." (2 Kings 23:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community to support your spiritual growth? What steps can you take to build stronger relationships within your church or small group?
Day 5: The Impact of a God-Centered Upbringing
Description: Daniel's faith was shaped by the revival and reforms of Josiah's reign. This underscores the significance of a God-centered upbringing and the influence of a faith-filled community. As parents, mentors, and community members, we have the responsibility to model and instill faith in the next generation, preparing them to stand firm in their beliefs. By creating an environment that prioritizes spiritual growth and discipleship, we can help nurture a strong foundation of faith in the lives of those we influence. This legacy of faith can have a lasting impact, equipping future generations to remain steadfast in their walk with God. [01:13:02]
Bible Passage: "And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel." (2 Kings 23:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally invest in the spiritual growth of the next generation? What practical steps can you take to model and teach faith to those you influence?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I just want to, you know, looking back, you know, seven full years and just seeing what God has done in this place, how he has really resurrected it. I remember in that first year as God started to do some growth and change. I remember. I remember part of that early group, people just like weeping in the aisles as God brought life to this place." [30:16] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think the first thing we need to think about this morning is this posture of surrender. Practically, I would invite you to do a couple things. One, you know, you saw my little silly doodle drawing. I'm sure that all of you have at least that artistic potential. But think about what are the parts of you in your life of discipleship right now? What are those parts? Maybe identify five or six of them and just get a sense of, are they actually submitted to the will of the Lord in your life?" [01:14:52] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think one of the things that I just realized about this for myself is that there's a part of me that thinks that growth, oh, I need to go back to white, right? So you have time and you have growth. Part of me thinks it should be like this. Over time, my growth should just be linear up and to the right. The truth is growth doesn't tend to work most of the time like this. Growth tends to work more like plateaus, dips, and leaps." [01:01:03] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think we believe a lot in God. I think we believe a lot in God. I think we think that, yeah, when you were 13 at that rally and you committed yourself to God, that's all you ever had to do. Often what it is, it's a re-turning back to God over time, often at a plateau and a dip. And I guess I just wonder for you today, where are you at in that process?" [01:01:03] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think the second thing, though, is that we need to be able to stop doing peace. And you can't rush here, but I do think we really need to identify the idols that shape our imagination. And again, this isn't little wooden things that you have stored in your closet that maybe you're like, I don't know, whatever. You get the idea. The thing is, there are broken parts of us that adopt extreme positions because we're afraid. And this often becomes idols that we hold on to, right?" [01:16:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Josiah's response, his personal response, does not change the consequences for the nation. How many times, at least for me, do I think, I just need to do this, and then all the consequences are going to go away? Also, there's a promise built in here from Huldah, hey, Josiah, don't worry, because of your faithfulness, you won't go into exile. I think there's a part of me that was like, if I heard that from God, I'd be like, phew, I can kick back now." [55:17] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Josiah begins by helping the people cultivate a posture of surrender. He then focuses on stop doing things, right? This is about idolatry, the previous commitments that orient our heart. And then he invites the people to form rhythms of faithfulness. Surrender, stop doing stuff, new stuff. See, Josiah has just learned from the Exodus and from Deuteronomy, there are all these patterns or rhythms of faithfulness and worship in Israel." [01:06:03] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I think what Josiah does is say, hey guys, first step, let's re-center ourselves in the loving, the steadfast love of God in his covenant promises to us. I think one of the things that I just realized about this for myself is that there's a part of me that thinks that growth, oh, I need to go back to white, right? So you have time and you have growth. Part of me thinks it should be like this. Over time, my growth should just be linear up and to the right." [01:01:03] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I think we believe a lot in God. I think we believe a lot in God. I think we think that, yeah, when you were 13 at that rally and you committed yourself to God, that's all you ever had to do. Often what it is, it's a re-turning back to God over time, often at a plateau and a dip. And I guess I just wonder for you today, where are you at in that process? Have you kind of just plateaued? Are you just kind of doing the same thing you've done for however long?" [01:01:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I think the second thing, though, is that we need to be able to stop doing peace. And you can't rush here, but I do think we really need to identify the idols that shape our imagination. And again, this isn't little wooden things that you have stored in your closet that maybe you're like, I don't know, whatever. You get the idea. The thing is, there are broken parts of us that adopt extreme positions because we're afraid. And this often becomes idols that we hold on to, right?" [01:16:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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