Committed to God: A Radical Transformation
The remarkable example of King Josiah, a man whose heart was wholly committed to God. His life, as recorded in 2 Kings 22 and 23, offers us a powerful illustration of what it means to be truly devoted to our Lord.
Bible Reading: 2 Kings 22:1, 2 and 23:25
What does a soul truly committed to God look like? Josiah's example reveals three key characteristics:
I. He is Willing to Get Right With God (2 Kings 22:3-13)
• a. He is willing to restore the temple (vv. 3-7): Josiah recognized the decay and neglect of God's house and took immediate action to restore it. This demonstrates a heart that prioritizes God's presence and seeks to honor Him. A committed soul seeks to repair the broken places in their spiritual lives and in the church.
• b. He is willing to involve God in his decisions: Josiah didn't rely on his own wisdom; he sought God's guidance. A truly committed person brings every decision before the Lord, seeking His will above their own.
• c. He is willing to be dealt with by the Word of God (vv. 9-13): When the Book of the Law was found and read, Josiah's heart was deeply moved. He didn't dismiss the Word but allowed it to convict him and lead him to repentance. A committed soul is teachable and receptive to God's truth.
II. He is Willing to Let God Deal With His Life (2 Kings 22:9-13)
• a. He is willing to acknowledge his mistakes and sins (v. 13): Josiah didn't make excuses or shift blame. He humbly acknowledged the sins of his people and his own need for God's mercy. A committed soul is honest about their shortcomings and seeks forgiveness.
• b. He is willing to bring the Word of God to life (vv. 18, 19): Josiah's heart was tender, and he responded to the Word with humility and tears. He understood that God's Word was not just words on a page but a living, powerful force. A committed soul allows the Word to transform their life.
• c. He is willing to surrender to God (v. 13): Josiah's reaction was one of complete surrender:
◦ He had a tender heart.
◦ He humbled himself before God.
◦ He tore his clothes.
◦ He wept before the Lord. This demonstrates a complete submission to God's will. A committed soul relinquishes control and trusts in God's sovereignty.
III. He is Willing to Apply Radical Changes (2 Kings 23:1-23)
• a. He is willing to cut off sin (23:1-3): Josiah led the people in a covenant renewal, committing to turn away from their wicked ways. A committed soul is willing to make tough choices to separate themselves from sin.
• b. He is willing to eradicate what displeases God (vv. 4-15): Josiah didn't compromise with idolatry. He systematically removed all the abominations that dishonored God:
◦ Idolatry.
◦ Prostitution and fornication.
◦ False gods.
◦ Religious syncretism.
◦ Pagan-religious ritualism. A committed soul is zealous for God's holiness and intolerant of anything that defiles His name.
• c. He is willing to consecrate himself to God (vv. 21-23): Josiah reinstated the Passover, a powerful symbol of God's deliverance and covenant. A committed soul seeks to live a life of consecration, set apart for God's purposes.
- Preaching on Crying Out to God: A Testament to Human Dependence
- Preaching on Walking in Newness of Life
- Preaching on Christian Faith - Capacity to believe
Conclusion:
A Christian committed to God must make radical changes in their life, open their heart to divine work, and adopt a radical attitude toward the sin that separates them from their eternal Savior. When we adopt this position, our spiritual life experiences unprecedented growth.
Like Josiah, let us be willing to:
• Restore the broken places in our lives.
• Seek God's guidance in all things.
• Allow the Word of God to transform us.
• Acknowledge our sins and surrender to God's will.
• Cut off sin and eradicate what displeases God.
• Consecrate ourselves to His service.
May our hearts be wholly committed to God, that we may experience the fullness of His grace and the power of His presence. Amen.
