II Kings 21-25

“For great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book” (22:13).  After generations of rebellion, the people of Judah had forgotten the ways of the Lord and let the Temple fall apart.  When young King Josiah began repairing the Temple, the Book of the Law was discovered, and Josiah was horrified to learn how far God’s people had strayed.  He tore down idols, rooted out witchcraft, and re-instituted the Passover (ch 23).

King Josiah allowed God’s Word to provoke repentance and change.  Instead of excuses, he “turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might” (23:25).