Then the king gathered all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem together. He went up to the Temple of the Lord, and all the people from Judah and Jerusalem went with him. The priests, prophets, and all the people—from the least important to the most important—went with him. He read to them all the words of the Book of the Agreement that was found in the Temple of the Lord. The king stood by the pillar and made an agreement in the presence of the Lord to follow the Lord and obey his commands, rules, and laws with his whole being, and to obey the words of the agreement written in this book. Then all the people promised to obey the agreement. (2 Kings 23:1-3)
When an agreement is personal and private, is it truly a promise? How strong is an agreement without boldness and accountability? It’s like asking if a tree falling in the forest without anyone around actually makes a sound.
Josiah made certain there was no question about the agreement he was making with God. He gathered “all the elders” and “all the people.” He made certain everyone knew exactly to what he was agreeing because he read the words in the book found in the temple. The agreement he was making was first and foremost with God, and it was, therefore, binding without question. But Josiah made sure to publicly declare the agreement because it would impact the people he lived alongside and ruled over.
When you make an agreement, who do you involve? Who is essential for you to have as a witness? How often do you declare something isn’t important enough to share or isn’t someone’s business?
Josiah’s agreement impacted “all the people,” who “promised to obey the agreement.” What impact does your willingness toward authenticity have on others?
Whether or not you take a stand alongside others will impact others’ lives. If you follow Josiah’s example, inviting others to listen to the truth of God’s instruction and hold you accountable in the times that follow, you will honor God through the community of believers in which God has placed you.
You’re taking a stand alongside others. What is the stand you’re taking?