Spring Tour with Kendall Ramseur
Plus a Josiah episode, a free show in Joplin, and a must-watch British series
Hello! I do hope you’re well. Here’s the latest.
FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME…
First off, some huge news I’m thrilled to share with you: The very first Holy Ghost Stories Live tour here in the US is happening in April.
That’s right—I’ll be teaming up with the one and only Kendall Ramseur to bring Holy Ghost Stories Live: The Exodus to several cities this spring.
We cannot wait to experience these moments from the Exodus story in person with you, along with songs and prayers and moments of reflection all designed to bring you into an unforgettable encounter with Yahweh Himself.
I’ll be sharing cities and dates very soon, but for now here are a few FAQs:
What is a Holy Ghost Stories Live show like? It’s tough to describe exactly, but here goes. I’s a combination of storytelling, music, worship, prayer, and meditation. The most prominent component is always the telling of some story from Scripture, alongside some gorgeous musical accompaniment (in this case, live cello and some recorded elements of the incredible score Kendall created for HGS’s Exodus series), but there are always other high-impact pieces as well: evocative songs (ones you know and ones you’ll be glad to learn), a bit of audience participation (nothing to be nervous about), and a few break-the-fourth-wall moments I get to enjoy with you.
Can’t I just listen to the podcast? Of course! But outside of all the beyond-the-storytelling aspects of these events, those who attend experience something deeply special and somewhat mysterious. After over a dozen of these shows, I continue to be floored by how different a live experience is from the podcast itself—there’s an electricity that comes from a bunch of Spirit-filled people all being in the room together as we immerse ourselves in one of Yahweh’s core memories. We experience Him in a heightened way that’s different than what happens when you listen on headphones while you’re doing the dishes alone. I really think you’ll love it.
Is it okay to bring a non-Christian? Absolutely. In fact, it may be easier to get your unbelieving friends to join you for HGS Live than it is to get them to come to church. And really, what better place to meet Yahweh than one of His favorite stories?
How long will these shows be? Two hours. And I’m confident you’ll love every second.
We’ll announce cities and dates soon, and tickets will go live shortly thereafter. So far every show we’ve done has sold out, so don’t hesitate to jump on and grab your tickets when it’s time.
Speaking of cities, we’re still finalizing a couple of locations, so I’d love to know where you’d like us to bring one of these shows. Tell me your city & state in this 3-question form and if we can’t get to your area this time, we’ll do our best to make it out eventually:
Hope to see you this spring!
And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
The latest episode of Holy Ghost Stories tells the (beginning of) the story of Josiah. When I heard this story as a boy, the idea of an 8-year-old rising to the throne of Israel fascinated me. And the way Josiah boldly initiates such sweeping reforms gave me courage as a young leader when I was tempted to be timid.
As I say in the intro to this episode, I think this story is in large part about change. What brings it about, why it sometimes doesn’t happen, and how the same catalyst can have a much different effect on different hearts. I suppose, in this way, it’s a pre-echo of the parable of the sower.
BITS AND BOBS
This didn’t end up getting included in the episode, but we’re told Josiah’s mother grew up in Bozkath, a small town in the lowland hills of Judah called the Shephelah. Really lovely place. Here’s a photo:
Timing - Josiah’s reign (630 B.C. - 609 B.C.) happens during a time of significant global power transitions. The declining Assyrian loses control of the city of Babylon when Nabopolassar crowns himself king in 626 B.C. and declares Babylon a city-state of its own. The burgeoning Babylonian empire captures Nineveh in 612 B.C., and Assyria’s last attempt at independence fails at Carchemish in 605 B.C. Babylon is on the rise, and will soon set their sites on Jerusalem.
Pomp & Circumstance (& Embellishment?) - You’ll notice in this episode that I describe in detail Josiah’s coronation. You’ll also notice, if you read the source texts (2 Kings 22 and 2 Chronicles 34), that there’s no such description of that ceremony. I’m drawing from the extended description of Israelite coronation practice we find in 2 Chronicles 23 & 2 Kings 11 (a few generations before Josiah). It seems the Hebrews had clear customs regularing these ceremonies (“there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was” 2 Kings 11:14)—their customs, by the way, included (authored?) the practice of shouting “Long live the King!”, which was famously adopted by the British.
Visualizing the Temple - The temple features prominently in this episode. Here’s a 3d rendering for the visual learners out there:
The two bronze pillars at the temple’s entrance were actually named— “Jachin” and “Boaz” (1 Kings 7:21). We’re not told which was the “king’s pillar” (the one by which the king was crowned), but surely it’s Boaz, right? (No disrespect to Jachin, son of Simeon.)
Meet Jeremiah - Jeremiah is introduced in this episode by way of a piece of his prophetic message I took from Jeremiah 3.
The Boys - I loved imagining Josiah and Jeremiah (21 and ~17 years old) interacting and teaming up. This is definitely a “young person power” episode.
Young Family - From what we learn later about Jehoahaz’s age, it seems Josiah fathered this first child when he was 16 years old. (The same age, by the way, that Ammon was when he had Josiah.) His wife must have been young as well—perhaps chosen for him back when he ascended the throne at 8. I love getting a glimpse of their hearts in what they name their firstborn.
Family Ties - This episode explicitly mentions Jeremiah’s relation to Huldah, but there’s another family connection at play. Shaphan, Josiah’s secretary, is likely the high priest Hilkiah’s nephew. (From August Konkel’s commentary on 1 & 2 Kings: “Hilkiah is the son of Shallum (Meshullam), who served as high priest during the reign of Manasseh. Shapahn is the son of Azaliahu, who is also a son of Shallum/Meshullam, quite possibly the same person as Hilkiah’s father; if so, Shaphan is Hilkiah’s nephew.”)
What Book Did They Find? - The book Hilkiah discovers in the temple is referred to only as the “Book of the Law.” Scholars generally agree that this was surely the Book of Deuteronomy.
The Multi-hyphenate Levites - I love that 2 Kings 22:12 interrupts the division of labor among the Levites to mention explicitly that “The Levites were all skilled with musical instruments.” Seems an unrelated inclusion, but some suggest the Levites might have played in rotation to help with the pacing of the work. …Probably went something like this (sound on):
Curses - During the scene where Shaphan reads to Josiah, I quote from Deuteronomy 28:58-68, which seems to be the promise from which Huldah’s prophecy arises.
In Conclusion - Part 2 drops Monday; it’s a great story and I’m excited to share it.
If you’ve listened, do reply and share your thoughts with me. Anything stick out or get you thinking?
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Join Me In Joplin on Jan 30
This month I’m headed to Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri. The school is hosting a Holy Ghost Stories Live show, and I’ll be doing some teaching about narrative Scripture, meditation, and storytelling alongside my wife.
The show’s on Tuesday 1/30 at 7pm and you’re invited. Thanks to OCC, admission is free! More info here.
3 Cool Things
Detectorists - Just got through a rewatch of this series. I’ve shared it here before, but I love you enough to share it here again. It is very British and just great. Do yourself a favor and just give it 3 episodes.
Pepetual Stew - This lady kept a communal stew going for weeks in her apartment in NYC. She’d have folks over to eat, everyone would bring something to throw in the pot, and the stew just kept going. Her journal entries are great.
Ship Explainer - Probably speaks to my strange level of chronic curiosity, but I couldn’t stop watching this video. A 3-D rendering of a typical 18th century battleship illustrating every part, its function, etc. The steps that went into raising a single sail blew my mind. People are amazing. (Fully aware that this video may not be for you, but it’s red meat for Justin Gerhardt. Now if I could find one about Bronze Age ships in the Mediterranean…)
That’s the latest! Hope part one of “The Regent and the Boy King” blesses you!
Gratefully,
Justin