Zephaniah

I wonder how long Josiah had reigned before he heard Zephaniah's words? From the description of the people's character this message came before the young kings reforms. The teenage ruler was surely caught up in the culture that his selfish father and grandfather had created. If I were writing a play or a novel Zephaniah's message would have echoed through the streets of Jerusalem before Josiah sought the LORD. It would have been these words that stirred the heart of Josiah to repair the temple (2 Kings 22). It was the words of warning that revived at least one man's heart. Zephaniah was most likely from the royal line and could well have been Josiah's schoolmate and advisor. Even though the prophet lacked the authority to lead God's people his access to Josiah provided the inroad that God desired. Like John the Baptist the message God gave him to deliver was more important than his own desires. I need the same conviction.
Stuart