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2 Kings-23

Renewal and Redemption: A Devotional Study on 2 Kings 23​

Introduction​

In 2 Kings 23, we witness King Josiah actively implementing spiritual and moral reforms, turning the nation of Judah towards God's law. This chapter chronicles the efforts of one man to right the wrongs of an entire nation, and it serves as a profound study of repentance, redemption, and renewal.

Section 1: A Young King's Passion (2 Kings 22-23:2)​

Devotional Thought: King Josiah, at the tender age of 18, discovers a scroll of God's law. This passage ignites a burning passion within him, leading him to yearn for God's restorative presence in Judah. Today, consider how God's Word can rekindle a passion for God in your heart.

Reflection Questions:

  • How often do you actively engage with God's Word?
  • In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God through consistent Scripture intake?

Section 2: Restoring God's Altar (2 Kings 23:3-7)​

Devotional Thought: Josiah, promoting true worship, restores God's altar at Bethel, the altar feigning the same power as the Temple in Jerusalem. Today's passage presents Josiah as a man committed to breaking down idolatry and making way for true worship. Consider how you can recognize and confront idols in your life.

Reflection Questions:

  • What idols have you identified in your life, and what steps can you take to break free from them?
  • How can you actively prioritize true worship instead of temporary and false substitutes?

Section 3: Removing the Asherah Poles (2 Kings 23:6-7)​

Devotional Thought: Asherah poles, made in honor of a fertility goddess, were erected as part of a pagan religion. Josiah removed these poles, eradicating the symbols of false reverence. Today, reflect on the kind of reverence and worship easily mistaken for false idols.

Reflection Questions:

  • Are you confused about the kind of reverence and worship in your life?
  • How can holy fear and reverence of God distinguish itself as opposed to false reverence?

Section 4: Burying Human Bones (2 Kings 23:15-18)​

Devotional Thought: Josiah and his men discovered tombstones and the remains of the people sacrificed by the former king, Manasseh. Judgment was passed on Manasseh's reign, and his bones were moved out of the Temple precinct. Consider the kind of legacy you are leaving behind.

Reflection Questions:

  • Are you leaving behind a legacy that reflects God's character, or is your conduct more akin to Manasseh's?
  • In what ways can you honor God in your life, ensuring a godly legacy?

Section 5: Personal Action (2 Kings 23:24-25)​

Devotional Thought: Josiah develops a personal covenant with God to fulfill all His commands, and God responds by promising to execute judgment on all who oppress Israel. Consider the value of personal covenants with God and how the spiritual discipline keeps us grounded.

Reflection Questions:

  • Have you developed a personal covenant to honor God's commands?
  • In what ways can a spiritual covenant with God guide your decisions and lifestyle choices?

Conclusion:​

In 2 Kings 23, we witness a man committed to redemption and reformation. Josiah's repentance, radical repentance, and restoration brings us a spiritual message of the importance of repentance, renewal, and redemption. May we take heart in the knowledge that redemption is available to us and in the knowledge that spiritual discipline, like a personal covenant with God, can transform us into people fully devoted to Him.