Josiah’s Influence

Scene: Josiah was king in Judah. Not a wimpy king with no real authority, but a king in a time and nation when everyone did whatever the king said to do. Now Josiah wanted to serve God; but the only copy of the Bible had been lost in the temple. When it was found, Josiah learned how far off track he and his people were from the way God wanted them to live. And he did something about it!

Version 1
Josiah’s Trickle-Down Approach

Cast: Josiah; a bunch of priests

Josiah was really bummed that he and his people weren’t doing what God wanted. So he called a meeting with all the priests. The priests came to the meeting whispering and questioning what was going on.

Josiah said, "Shut up and listen!"

The priests were shocked that the king would talk to them that way. They all gasped in unison. One even had the boldness to ask, "Did your mother teach you to speak that way?"

Josiah ignored the priest and said, "We found the Bible. And you guys aren’t instructing us right. Now read this thing and get it straight." With that he stomped out of the room and ended the meeting.

Version 2
Josiah’s Command

Cast: Josiah; a couple priests; a couple important people; a couple not-so-important people; Guido

Josiah was really bummed when he found out how out-of-line he and his people were. So he called together a huge meeting. He asked everyone to come—priests, important people, and not-so-important people. Once they were all gathered, they all said, in unison, "What’s up, Kingy?"

Josiah did a cool little king-dance up to the microphone and said, "From now on we’re going to live by the book—God’s book. An anyone who doesn’t will meet my friend Guido." Josiah’s bodyguard Guido flexed his muscles and did a few muscle-beach poses.

The people gasped in horror. Then they all said, in unison of course, "Whatever you say, Joey!"

Version 3
Josiah’s Modeling Company

Cast: Josiah; religious people; normal people; big-time goobers

Josiah was really bummed when he found out he and his people weren’t living the way God wanted them to live. So he called together a great big meeting. Everyone was invited—religious people, normal people, even big-time goobers. When they all gathered, they said in unison, "What is it, O King, that thou wouldst have us to do for thine own most powerful self?"

Josiah stepped up to the microphone and said, "Boy, you all talk really funny. Anyway, here’s the scoop, people. I’m making a commitment to God, in front of you all, that I’m going to live for him." Then he stepped back from the mic.

The people all looked bewildered for a few moments, poking each other and saying, "Huh?" Then, one at a time, they all shouted out, "I’m gonna live for God, too!"

From Wild Truth Bible Lessons by Mark Oestreicher. Copyright © 1996 by Youth Specialties.