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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You told Josiah, “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord” (2 Chr 34:27). How wonderful to know that when I hear you and obey, you hear me and respond! You are a God who hears the prayers of those whose hearts are turned toward you! Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about Josiah’s religious reforms. Josiah began to seek after you when he was young (about 16). This was probably due to the preaching of another young man, Jeremiah, and it shows me that although the majority may not heed the message of truth, there are always a few who are drawn to you. When Josiah was 20, he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of its idolatry. The lengthy description in 2 Kings of all the perversion he removed is a sobering testament to how corrupt the Jews had become. Josiah did not limit his reforms to Judah—he went into the cities of the old northern kingdom of Israel and destroyed the altars there as well. While in Bethel, Josiah discovered the grave of the man of God who had prophesied the destruction of Jeroboam I’s altar (1 Kgs 13). Josiah realized that he had just fulfilled a 300-year-old prophecy! This teaches me that what you promise always comes to pass. Even if hundreds of years go by, wait for it—it will be fulfilled (Hab 2:3). When Josiah was 26, he began repairs on the Temple. During the work, Hilkiah the high priest found a copy of the book of the law. When it was read to Josiah, he realized that your wrath would soon be poured out on Judah, and he humbled himself before you and sought your guidance. This shows me once again that the proper response to your rebuke is humility and repentance. Reflection In the account of Josiah’s cleansing of Jerusalem from idolatry, there was mention of the high places Solomon had built hundreds of years before. How tragic that they were still a stumbling block to the people! Are there any “high places” in my life? Request Father, I don’t want to leave behind anything that would be a hindrance to others. Please help me to leave only a legacy of obedience and faithfulness to you! Thanksgiving Thank you for the mercy and grace that I find when I come before your throne. You always welcome those whose hearts are tender toward you! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Humility of Heart” — Daniel S. Warner. Meditation Verse: 2 Kings 23:16.