The Buck Stops Here

"Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah from Bozkath. He did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right."

"...and a little child will lead them." Isaiah 11:6

Josiah's dad has just been assassinated, and at the tender age of eight this little boy becomes king.

When he was 16 years of age the Bible says, "he began to seek the God of his ancestor David." 2 Chronicles 34:3. How did he know to do this? I have to stop for a moment and consider the influence of his mom, Jedidah.

Although this is simply speculation, I wonder if he possibly grew to love and follow the Lord because of a godly mother. I wonder if he watched her seeking and obeying the Lord. I wonder if it was her example that ignited a yearning in his young heart to pursue the Lord. I wonder if she would cuddle him close and tell him stories of how in generations past his family loved the Lord. Never underestimate a mother's influence.

However Josiah came to follow God's heart, he broke the cycle of sin in his generation. He took responsibility for his own choices and actions. His history would not control his destiny. He refused to remain caught in the web of the past.

As the expression goes, "the buck stops here". Regardless of what has gone on before us, we can make choices to change the future by changing our actions today. Instead of walking the evil way of his father, Josiah decided on a different path. Seeking God, he followed a new set of footprints. Footprints we can choose to follow today as well.

Yes, Josiah could look back and see a history of defeat, but he could also look forward and see victory.

Which way are you looking?