At Age 26 – Josiah Repairs the House of God

Cleaning and restoring the Temple

At age 20, Josiah began to cleanse the land and the house of God. The temple was included. But that was not enough. At age 26, after he finished the cleansing, he set about repairing the temple. The temple was clearly dilapidated. He also restored it to good condition.

The theme “House of God” in the Bible

The theme “house of God” runs through the entire Bible. First, God dwelt in the tabernacle. This was especially during Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Later, Solomon built God a magnificent temple. It was unbelievable to Solomon that God would dwell in a material house. “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain You; how much less this house which I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27).

God’s House Today

In New Testament times, and still today, God still dwells on the earth. He still dwells in a house. Yet not in a material one as in Old Testament times. He dwells in a spiritual one. In his letter to the believers in Ephesus, Paul writes this. They are a “holy temple in the Lord,” and “a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20.21). This did not mean a special group of people. It means the church, assembly, or congregation. It includes all who believe in the Lord Jesus. It spans from Pentecost until the rapture. In this sense, Paul also speaks of the house of God. He does so in his first letter to Timothy. “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14.16).

The Builder and the Living Stones

The Lord Jesus Himself is the One who builds this house. In Matthew 16, He says to Peter: “and on this rock” — meaning Himself — “I will build My church.” This house is built of living stones. We can gather this from 1 Peter 2:5. It says: “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house.”

The Owner of the House

Every material house has a master. This house, the church or assembly, does too. The master is God Himself. He dwells in this spiritual house. Therefore Paul also wrote to Timothy. In this house, we cannot behave as we wish. This house does not belong to us. Everything that happens in this house must match God’s nature. It must correspond to His thoughts.

Zeal for God’s people

Even today, the Lord Jesus seeks such people. They sense that God’s people are not in the condition they should be. This is according to God’s thoughts. Zeal for Him is needed here. This applies even at a young age. As a young Christian, you will not start by instructing older believers. You will not correct them either. God can still lead that in His sovereignty, in individual cases. Think of Samuel or some prophet. Yet there are always ways to be useful among God’s people. One can hardly list them all. Visit the sick; visit older brothers and sisters; pick them up for meetings. Tell them about the services and about the Lord Jesus. Do this if they cannot attend anymore. Offer practical help; teach Sunday school; care for children. Help with evangelistic outreaches; etc.

Josiah and the Word of God

The Word of God is “found” again

In Josiah’s days, the Word of God was “found” again (cf. 2 Chronicles 34:14). It is hard to believe the law had to be found. It should have been the foundation of Israel’s life. Yet when the Word of God was found, Josiah read it very carefully. He also wanted to obey this Word.

Josiah’s Reaction

It is remarkable how Josiah reacted when he found the law. In 2 Chronicles 34:19 we are told: “When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes.” That was a sign of mourning and deep concern. What Josiah read did not leave him untouched. He did not relativize it. He did not dismiss it as “outdated.” No, he received it as God’s Word. It is always valid and binding.

The Bible as a constant Companion

I hope we do not need to find the Bible again. It may be a constant companion for us. We can read it again and again. As children of God, that should be completely normal. Yet we should also take time. We should examine a passage more closely.

Orientation for Life

Where, if not in the Word of God, will you find the right direction for life? Where, if not in the Bible, will you find God’s thoughts? They concern everything that affects your life. The Bible is not a recipe book for every situation. Yet it gives principles, examples, comparisons, and pointers. They can be applied to every question. They can be applied to every problem and every circumstance.

When the Bible becomes Alive

If you do that, the Bible becomes alive. Then it is no longer mere theory. Then you read the Word with greater interest. It has something to say to me. I need this Word so I can stand firm in daily life. That is the secret in Josiah’s life. That is also why he was so faithful!