Josiah was eight years old when he became king. In 2 Kings 23, we learn of the idolatrous times into which this young boy was born. However, he is the last good king of Judah in spite of the environment he was born into. What marked such a good king, even at eight years old? What marked the revival that was brought on by such a surrendered heart? What spiritual lessons can we apply to our own lives?

We can answer these questions by giving an overview of the life of Josiah, as seen in 2 Chronicles 34. First, spiritual renewal begins with obedience to the Word of God. Second, spiritual hunger is needed if there is to be revival; notice Josiah “began to seek the God of his father David” (v. 3). We learn thirdly, that spiritual revival can only come in connection to God’s Word (vv. 8–21). Fourth, there is a spiritual response when the Word of God is clearly taught (vv. 29–33), which brings about unity among the people. Fifth, true spiritual worship is the result of true spiritual work done in the hearts of the people. The Passover was celebrated and the Lord had His rightful place among His people once again!

This all came about because at sixteen this young man began to get serious with the Lord. By the age of twenty, he began to vigilantly root out all that did not honor his God (v. 3). By the time he was twenty-six, he was deeply involved in the spiritual conditions of the house of the Lord (vv. 8–10). All this before he was even thirty years old!

Josiah stands apart as an example to every one of us, no matter what age we might be. Josiah is a beautiful example for us to study and learn the features of an individual whom God can use, even in a day of spiritual breakdown, to bring about revival.

We might ask ourselves, “Am I a Josiah? Can God use me for His glory? Am I surrendered to His Word and His will?”