Josiah removed all the detestable idols from all the territory belonging to the Israelites, and he had all who were present in Israel serve the Lord their God (2 Chronicles 34:33).

“Do the best you can until you know better. When you know better, do better” (Maya Angelou).

This week, our study focused on Josiah, the 16th king of Judah. During his rule, “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or the left” (2 Chronicles 34:2). Josiah spent years cleaning up his kingdom, working tirelessly to destroy idols and their altars. The man was thorough!

After this period of destroying objects that ran contrary to God’s teachings, Josiah turned his focus towards building things back up. He set his sights on repairing the temple in Jerusalem. Everything was humming along nicely until a discovery was made in the temple. “Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses” (2 Chronicles 34:14).

When the Book of Law was read to Josiah, he was devastated. Huldah, the prophetess, tells the king’s men that the Law had not been followed and God was not pleased.  In order to right the wrongs of the past and ensure that all the people served the Lord according to the Law, Josiah gathered everyone “from the least to the greatest” and read it to them (2 Chronicles 34: 23-25,30). Everyone, including Josiah, “pledged themselves to the Law of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 34:32).

Finding the Law of the Lord given to Moses was a Signature Moment for Josiah, and for all the people around him. He did not waste any time being upset and worked quickly to rectify a wrong. In the process, a good man, a godly man, became an even better man. 

I am struck by Josiah’s tireless energy to do the right thing. He doesn’t rest on his considerable laurels. When he is presented with new knowledge, he grieves but then immediately springs into action. 

His example inspires me.  I wish I could say that I always react in the same manner.

We all have Signature Moments, moments where we come to a critical crossroads and get to choose the path. And like Josiah, the moment can be filled with pain and distress when confronted with new information. But we don’t have to stay in that place. We can move toward seeking God’s guidance in navigating our next steps. At that point, it becomes an opportunity to “do better.”

Can you think of some Signature Moments you have had in your life? What did you learn from them? Are you currently at a crossroads? What steps can you take to bring God’s wisdom and guidance into your situation?