Little King Josiah

Once upon a time, in the beautiful ancient city of Jerusalem, there were twelve tribes from the country, known as Israel. Tribes can also be called families. Of those twelve tribes, one special family was called Judah. The Almighty God had a plan for this family. And his special plan involved Josiah. Josiah was a black boy with tight curly hair, and very dark skin. Josiah was surrounded by his family that loved and obeyed the Most-High God. His family was very close, and they did everything together. They ate together, they prayed together, they talked together, they worked together, they played together, they sang together, danced together, they truly loved one another.

Josiah was a wonderful child, chosen by the Almighty God for a significant task at an early age. Everything about Josiah seemed remarkable, even his name. The name Josiah means "The Most-High Supports and Heals." Josiah knew his country was beautiful, with large buildings, healthy and tasty fruits and vegetables, lovely homes, lush green trees and grass, and an amazing array of wildlife, including giraffes, lions, zebras, cheetahs, elephants, leopards, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, ostriches, and many other beautiful animals. At the age of 9, Josiah realized his life was surrounded by greatness. His family, including his parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents, were incredible people. Among them were lawyers, doctors, engineers, architects, musicians, designers, warriors, princesses, princes, queens, and kings. It was amazing; Josiah felt fully surrounded and protected. One of the many things Josiah came to understand was, sometimes the Most High instructs us to do things that don’t feel good and that others might not like. Josiah was required to take on the mantle of leadership like his father and grandfather.

The first obstacle Josiah faced was the corrupt officials who refused to change their ways. - We have always done it this way, they argued. Josiah knew he had to stand firm. - We must change for the sake of our people, he insisted. Josiah gathered his advisors and asked, - How can we bring justice to Jerusalem? The advisors looked worried. - It's difficult, Your Majesty, one replied. - The people have lost faith in the leaders. Josiah felt a heavy burden on his young shoulders.

Josiah's next challenge was the people's fear. As he walked through the marketplace, he notices the people were afraid to speak out against the corruption. "What if we get punished?" they whispered among themselves. Josiah decided to visit the Hilkiah. He needed to speak him to give righteous direction. That direction could only come from the ancient books. Josiah's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Let's read it together!" he exclaimed. Hilkiah and Josiah sat down and opened the ancient book. As they read the words, Josiah realized that his people had forgotten many important things about living a good life. They had stopped following God's teachings. With a determined heart, King Josiah decided to make things right. He called all the people of Judah to gather in the city square. People came from near and far, eager to hear what their young king had to say.

Standing tall and brave, Josiah read the words from the ancient book. The people listened closely, and many of them began to understand how they had strayed from the right path. We must change our ways," Josiah declared. "We will rebuild the Temple and follow God's teachings once again." Josiah's task was big and special. Even though he was young, God chose him to help the people of Israel do the right things and worship God again. The people had started worshiping fake gods and forgetting the important rules. Josiah's mission involved: Restoring True Worship: He had to get rid of the places and statues where people worshiped fake gods and make sure everyone worshiped the true God. Rebuilding the Temple: Josiah needed to fix and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem so people could have a beautiful place to worship God again.

Josiah's efforts were met with resistance from the powerful nobles. - You are just a child, they scoffed. - You cannot change the ways of Jerusalem. At times Josiah felt disheartened, but he refused to give up. Josiah knew the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob was with him. He was very bold and very strong as a child. Josiah had been given a great mission. A mission the Most-High had purposed to be in place for his chosen people. Although Josiah was a child, he understood how important it was for his people, to return the ways and practices that had always been in their hearts. The children of Israel did not want change. - "Leave things the way they are, we dont want our old ways," they yelled.

One afternoon, Josiah sat quietly in his room, feeling a bit worried. He started thinking about the big job God had given him. Josiah had four important things to do: Restoring True Worship: Josiah had to take away the places where people worshiped pretend gods and make sure everyone worshiped the one true God, Elohim. Rebuilding the Temple: He needed to fix and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, so people had a beautiful place to worship God again. Renewing the Covenant: Josiah had to remind the people about the special promises they made to God and help them follow God’s rules, just like Moses taught. Promoting Justice and Kindness: He worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly and kindly, changing rules to fit what God wanted.

Josiah knew he had a big job to do, especially because his father and grandfather were important leaders before him. It was really important for Josiah to be with his family, where he felt loved and supported. Even though Josiah's mission was hard, he knew he wasn’t alone. The people didn’t want to listen to the truth that God had asked Josiah to share with them. They ignored what he told them to do. Josiah knew how important it was for the people to listen and obey, because judgement was coming to their land. The people simply would not obey and only rebel.

Even when others didn’t want to listen, Josiah kept telling them what God wanted. He was happy to do what God asked. Josiah knew that as long as he and his people followed God’s commands, their land would be a joyful place. He also learned that God wanted to bless his people with many good things. But the Israelites didn’t love or obey God. Josiah studied the laws, commandments and statutes.