A Shortened Life that Touched Many

I found myself reading about King Josiah. He was a king of Judah and began his rain when he was 8 years old. At the age of 16 he had purged all the idols from their high places out of Judah and after finding the law when he was 18 years old he leads his nation into a revival. This guy rocks! The only king since King King David to actually get rid of the idols at the age of 16… BEFORE he knew the law!
But then we read that King Josiah dies at 39 in a battle that probably he didn’t need to be in?!? I struggle with this. I ask, “What would happen if he lived longer?” or question, “Why did he die so young?”
And this bright light seems to be put out way too early. And shortly after he dies the nation of Judah enters into captivity. What happened? Where is the legacy of King Josiah?
But after praying and meditating on the life of King Josiah it hit me. Great men of God were raised up under his rule. Did you realize that Daniel was born under his rule? And just think about that guy’s influence.
Don’t forget Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego was born during King Josiah’s time. And there was more, you have the Prophet Jeremiah, Prophet Zephaniah, Prophetess Huldah, and many more told and untold God fearing men and women all were influenced by the this young king pursuing after God.
King Josiah legacy was not in a long standing political kingdom in this world. But his legacy was carried into the next generation which passed it on to other generations to come.

We can influence generations to  pursue God with all of their hearts.

Let us take on the heart of King Josiah to follow God that will impact eternity.
​
(You can read about him in 2 Kings 22 to 23 and 2 Chronicles 34 to 35)