09-27-2026 Redeemer Church | Rev. Dr. Justyn TerryIntroduced by Pastor Dave Brown Scripture Reading by Pastor Dave Brown 2 Kings 22:1-10; 23:1-3 Pastor Dave Brown read the account of King Josiah, who became king of Judah at eight years old and “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah ordered repairs to the Temple. During the restoration, Hilkiah the high priest discovered “the Book of the Law” that had been lost and neglected. After hearing the words of Scripture, Josiah gathered the people of Judah and Jerusalem, read the covenant aloud, and renewed the nation’s commitment to follow God with all their heart and soul. The people pledged themselves to the covenant as well. Sermon Summary Rev. Dr. Justyn Terry: “God’s Work of Redemption” Rev. Dr. Justyn Terry centered his sermon on the life of King Josiah, presenting him as an example of how God prepares people, calls them into redemptive work, and uses them to draw others into His purposes. Using the illustration of restoring a neglected building, Terry compared God's redemptive work to the renovation of a great house or castle. Just as a damaged structure can be restored to its original beauty, God delights in redeeming, repairing, and restoring people, communities, and His creation. Josiah’s story demonstrates that God often prepares leaders long before their public accomplishments are visible. Although Josiah’s father Amon and grandfather Manasseh were wicked kings, Josiah chose a different path. Terry suggested that the influence of Josiah’s mother Jedidah and perhaps other faithful family members helped shape his character and direct him toward God. This reminds believers that the quiet work of discipleship, parenting, mentoring, and spiritual formation often becomes the foundation for future ministry and leadership. Terry emphasized that Josiah did not immediately attempt dramatic reforms. He spent years growing, learning, and preparing before undertaking the enormous task of restoring the nation. When he finally began the Temple repairs, the discovery of the Book of the Law became a turning point. Hearing God’s Word exposed how far the people had drifted from God. Rather than respond with pride, Josiah responded with repentance, tearing his robes in humility before the Lord. A central theme of the sermon was the ongoing necessity of Scripture. The people of Judah had allowed God’s Word to be forgotten, and their lives reflected that neglect. Terry reminded the congregation that God’s Word continues to reveal truth, correct error, and guide believers in faithful living. Regular engagement with Scripture, worship, and Christian fellowship enables God’s continuing work of redemption in the hearts of His people. Josiah’s renewal did not stop with his personal repentance. He gathered the entire nation, read the covenant publicly, and invited everyone into renewed obedience to God. Terry highlighted this as an example of godly leadership: leaders first allow God to transform them, then they help guide others toward transformation as well. He noted that meaningful change rarely happens alone. God often calls believers to invite others into His work, whether in families, churches, workplaces, or communities. The sermon concluded with a challenge for every believer to consider three questions: What redemptive work is God doing in your own life? What work has God prepared you to do for His kingdom? Who is God calling you to invite into that work? Rev. Dr. Terry encouraged the congregation to remain open to God’s transforming power, patient in His preparation, faithful in their calling, and intentional about drawing others into the work of God’s kingdom. Scripture References Mentioned During the Sermon 2 Kings 22:1-10 – Josiah’s reign begins and the Book of the Law is discovered. 2 Kings 23:1-3 – Josiah renews the covenant before the people. 2 Kings 21:20 – The evil reign of Amon, Josiah’s father. 2 Kings 21:5-7 – Manasseh’s desecration of the Temple. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (the Pentateuch/Book of the Law). Deuteronomy 6:5 / Matthew 22:37-39 (referenced conceptually): Love the Lord with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Ephesians 2:10 (referenced conceptually): God has prepared good works in advance for His people to do. Psalm 127:1: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Habakkuk 2:14 (referenced in the closing prayer): “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Key Takeaway: God’s pattern is to redeem people first, prepare them through His Word, call them into meaningful service, and then use them to lead others into His redemptive work.
