2 Kings 23:1-30

Of all the reforms of the kings, none was more comprehensive than that of Josiah.  Reading through the list, one gets an idea how syncretistic Judah had become.  Every aspect of their society had been permeated by paganism.  Reading and hearing the word of God had this effect on the king and his leaders: it showed them for who they had been.  They became aware of how corrupt and offensive to the LORD their society was.  What followed was a long campaign to clean up. They covenanted to do this – not because they had hopes of being spared from God’s wrath, but because they realized that they deserved it. 

LORD, open your word to us. Show us who we really are in your sight, and give us the courage of Josiah to do something about it.