The king renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD to keep His commands, regulations, and decrees with all his heart and soul (2 King 23:3).

Sure, I can read by candlelight. But contrasted with reading by a floodlight, could I even call candlelight light? 

Exposed to that brighter light, how do I react? Anger at those who didn’t tell me about brighter lights? Rationale that while my flickering candle is almost meaningless compared to a floodlight, it is light enough? Or humble acceptance that my light is insufficient?

King Josiah’s faith lit his way. Considerably more righteous than his father or grandfather, he did “what was right in the eyes of the Lord” and “walked in all the ways of his father David” (22:2). He certainly walked by more than a candle’s worth of light. But repairs to the Temple uncovered God’s Law and exposed the shocking inadequacy of his and his people’s faith. 

How did Josiah react? Anger at God, maybe the temple priests, for not teaching the whole Law? Argue how much better he was than wicked dad Amon and granddad Manasseh (see Ch. 21)? That’s like saying, “My candle is better than the darkness”! Instead, in immediate and visible repentance at the depth of his people’s disobedience, at how far away from God’s light they were, Josiah “tore his robes” (22:11). 

Josiah’s discovery of God’s Law moved him swiftly from repentance to seeking God’s will: more light, please. He learns his country is ripe for judgment: God’s “anger burns against this place and will not be quenched” (22:17). But because Josiah’s “heart was responsive and he humbled himself” (22:19) at the reading of the Law, God tells Josiah He will delay judgment until his death. Amazingly, despite coming destruction, Josiah cleanses the country of idolatry and reestablishes the Passover celebration (Ch. 23). His deeply repentant heart moves him beyond saving himself to confronting the sins of the whole nation. The candle becomes a spotlight.

We dare not say all light sources are good enough. Pale lights don’t illuminate fully; some lights lead away from God. Neither Josiah’s repentance nor actions would have occurred without the floodlight of God’s Word. That’s true for us, too, but we need to read it to let its light shine into our lives. As we read, will our hearts burn within when the Light of the World convicts us of sin? Or will we defend our little candle? 

The psalmist exclaims, “The unfolding of Your words gives light” (Ps. 119:130). If your candle has gone cold, rediscover God’s Word, perhaps with Bible Project’s “One Story That Leads to Jesus” reading plan: https://bibleproject.com/reading-plans/. When you receive their daily email, consider having a journal open as you read the scripture, watch the video, and ponder their questions. As you engage with scripture anew, let it rekindle your flame. Then carry your light into the darkness. It may be a little light at first, but let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.