The king stood by his pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD—to follow the LORD and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, and to obey the words of the covenant written in this book.
2 Chronicles 34:31 NIV
Josiah was one of the most godly kings of Judah. He came to power at a very early age, following a pair of bad kings. Yet early in his reign Josiah committed himself to following the Lord and began some reform in the nation. Midway through his reign the ‘Book of the Covenant’ was found in the temple and read to Josiah. And he was horrified by what it contained. He realized that the nation had been extremely negligent in their obedience to God’s covenant. And, that as a result, disaster was looming.
Josiah repented and called the nation together to renew their covenant with God. In the verse above Josiah pledged himself to follow the Lord and keep his commandments. And he then challenged the people and the leaders to follow his example, which they did. And revival broke out that lasted as long as he was king.
Few of us are kings. And, unlike Josiah, most of us have ready access to the Bible. But his example of covenant renewal is a good one. This year, as you consider making New Year’s Resolutions, I would encourage you to consider renewing your commitment to the Lord. To follow him in the coming year. And to live in obedience to him.
