"You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this city and its people. You humbled yourself and tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You yourself will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city and its people." (2 Chronicles 34.27-28 NLT)

King Josiah repented and turned to God. And he brought his people to repent and turn to God also. He led his people back to God and destroyed the idols from the land.

I am quite certain there were a lot of opposition or grumbling. Many people probably lost fortune due to the reform and backlash ensued. But King Josiah persisted with his reform and cleaned his kingdom.

Standing firm for the one true God requires a strong backbone and determination. And wisdom to God's leading.

God loves people.

The true objective of the reform is to save the people from "the promised disaster". Not to punish them for worshipping the idols. To bring them into right relationship with God. Not to harden their hearts in their wayward path.

Love and reform and keep loving.