For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
Yesterday young King Josiah heard God's Word and his heart went soft. Today he does something about it - with his whole heart.
Today's Story
King Josiah had heard God's Word read out loud, and it changed his heart. But Josiah didn't just feel sorry and stop there. He got up and did something about it!
First, he gathered all the people together - young and old - and read them God's Word so everyone could hear it too. Then Josiah promised, with his whole heart, to follow the Lord and obey what the book said. And the people promised right along with him.
Next, Josiah went to work. All the pretend gods made of stone and wood? He cleared them out. Every wrong altar set up in the wrong places? Gone. He swept the land clean so the people could worship the one true God again.
Then Josiah said, “Let's celebrate!” He brought back a special feast called the Passover, where the people remembered how long ago God had rescued them and brought them safely out of a faraway land. They hadn't celebrated it like this in a very, very long time.
The Bible says there was never a king quite like Josiah. He turned to God with all his heart, all his soul, and all his strength. He didn't just listen - he obeyed.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When a grown-up asks you to do something, is it harder to hear it or to actually do it? Why?
- Josiah cleared out everything that pulled people away from God. Is there anything that pulls your heart away from God that you could set aside?
- The verse says Josiah loved God with all his heart, soul, and strength. What do you think it looks like to love God with ALL of you?