Josiah, An Example For YouthThe thirty fourth chapter of II Chronicles records the efforts of Josiah, king of Judah. Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty-one years (II Chronicles 34:1). Although Josiah serves as an excellent example for all of us, his actions should be particularly noted by our youth. First, consider the path Josiah chose for his life. In the eight year of Josiah’s reign, when he was only sixteen years old, he began to seek after the God of David his father (II Chronicles 34:3). Verse two indicates that Josiah did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left. Josiah’s aim, early in life, was to please God. Josiah, at an early age, understood the importance of doing what was right in the sight of God rather than in the sight of men. Second, consider Josiah’s purging. In the twelfth year of his reign, when he was only twenty years old, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem form the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images (II Chronicles 34:3). The high places were hills where men had built altars as part of their worship to their false gods. The groves were wooded areas where men had carved images of their gods in the trees in order to worship them. The carved and molten images were dumb, lifeless idols, yet they were worshipped, often times by the very men who made them. Josiah understood the need to rid his life of evil. Young people, it is not possible to allow yourself to be exposed to evil influences (ex: music with inappropriate lyrics, movies with crude or suggestive dialogue, written literature that is pornographic in nature, friends that are a detriment to the Christian lifestyle, etc.) and please God at the same time. (By the way, parents, do you monitor your children’s reading, listening, and television habits?) Third, consider Josiah’s efforts to repair the temple. In the eighteenth year of his reign, when he was only twenty-six years old, he initiated efforts to repair the house of the Lord his God (II Chronicles 34:8). We can draw a parallel between Josiah’s actions to repair the temple and the responsibilities of young people toward the temple of God today, the church (I Corinthians 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:21). It is often said that young people are the church of tomorrow. But the fact is our young people are a big part of the church today. Young people have responsibilities toward the church and should apply themselves toward fulfilling those responsibilities. How can our young people fulfill their responsibilities to the church? By attending all worship services of the church, participating in Bible classes, inviting others to come, giving to the church financially, speaking at young people’s devotionals, helping to teach a Bible class. And the list could go on and on! Young people, are you striving to follow Josiah’s example? Rod Halliburton [Return
to Bulletin Articles] [Back
to this outline] [Return
to Sermon Outlines]
|
