Come Follow Me for Teens: "He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel" (2 Kings 16-25)

What this episode covers

This week’s Come Follow Me for Teens episode focuses on 2 Kings 16–25: “He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel.” In these chapters, we study some of the most sobering moments in Israel’s history and learn powerful lessons about agency, covenants, captivity, scripture study, repentance, and the light of Jesus Christ. The children of Israel stop listening to the Lord, break their covenants, reject prophetic warnings, and eventually find themselves carried away captive. But even in these dark chapters, we also see hope. God does not stop loving His children when they drift. He continues to call, warn, invite, forgive, and reach after them. Israel’s captivity teaches youth that God’s commandments are not meant to control us, but to protect our freedom. The scriptures say Israel was carried away “because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord their God.” That phrase helps teens see that some choices may promise freedom, but eventually lead to captivity — spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or physically. Sin never keeps its promises. It promises independence, happiness, and control, but often leaves us more bound, more empty, and more in need of the Savior. Jesus Christ came to deliver captives, heal broken hearts, and help us come home. King Josiah’s rediscovery of the book of the law teaches the power of God’s word to awaken and change us. After years of spiritual neglect, the scriptures were found in the house of the Lord. When Josiah heard the words of the book, his heart was softened, and he realized how far the people had drifted. His story reminds teens that there is a difference between having access to the scriptures and truly discovering them for ourselves. God’s word can correct us, comfort us, awaken us, and show us the way back to Him. Josiah’s reforms teach youth that we do not overcome darkness by strength alone — we overcome darkness by increasing light. After the scriptures were found and read, Josiah began removing the idols, false worship, corrupt practices, and spiritual distractions that had pulled the people away from the Lord. That order matters. First came the word of God. Then came covenant renewal. Then came the removal of what did not belong. As teens increase scripture, prayer, worship, covenant connection, honest conversations, and the influence of Jesus Christ, the things that once held power over them can begin to lose their grip. This episode invites teens to ask: Are there any choices, habits, or influences in my life that are starting to take away my freedom? Have I truly discovered the scriptures for myself? What light could I increase this week that would help darkness lose power in my life? The message of these chapters is deeply relevant for teens today: God’s commandments protect our freedom, His word helps us find our way back, and the light of Jesus Christ gives us power to remove what does not belong. No matter how far someone has drifted, captivity is not the end of the story. Jesus Christ is the Deliverer who can forgive, heal, gather, and lead God’s children home. Get the full Study & Teaching Guide here: https://joshdowns.com/cfm-resources Become a Come Follow Me for Teens member: https://www.joshdowns.com/cfm-membership

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