The Power of The Book – God’s Word
Can you imagine becoming a king at the age of eight? I
cannot fathom being a king (queen), much less as a child.
Well, that’s what happened to a boy named Josiah. His
father and grandfather, who preceded him on the throne of ancient Judah were
not good examples for this boy-king. In fact, they were a couple of the
wickedest kings the nation ever had. Second Kings 21 and Second Chronicles
34-35 give an account of their evil reigns.
But then came Josiah—a breath of fresh air.
We’re told, “And he did what was right in the sight
of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn
aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2 NKJV*).
What do you suppose caused Josiah to depart from the
leadership philosophies of his predecessors? The answer to that question is
simple, yet profound.
In the eighteenth year of his reign, Josiah instructed
his scribe, Shaphan, to take care of some administrative business with the high
priest, Hilkiah, regarding repairs to the house of the Lord. While there,
Hilkiah said to Shaphan, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house
of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan and he read it” (2
Kings 22:8).
“Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king,
saying ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read it before the
king. Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law,
that he tore his clothes” (2 Kings 22:10-11).
In those days, the tearing of one’s clothes represented
humbling oneself in despair over some occurrence. Here, King Josiah repented
for the years of sins his nation committed against Jehovah God. Many of those
sins included the worship of false gods. Josiah’s grandfather had even
sacrificed his own son to the god, Molech. (2 Kings 21:6)
Josiah then instructed his spiritual leaders to go and
inquire of the Lord on behalf of himself and the nation. God responded to their
genuine repentance and promised peace in the land for all the days of
Josiah.
“Then the king stood by a pillar and made a
covenant before the LORD, to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments and
His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to
perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the
people took a stand for the covenant” (2 Kings 23:3).
King Josiah then took action to uphold his part of the
covenant. He ordered that all the pagan gods and articles of worship be
destroyed, along with the priests of these gods and those who practiced
witchcraft. (2 Kings 23:4-20, 24)
“Then the king commanded all the people
saying, ‘Keep the Passover to the LORD your God, as is written in the Book of
the Covenant.’ Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the
judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and the
kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was
held before the LORD in Jerusalem. … Now before him (Josiah)
there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all
his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after
him did any arise like him” (2 Kings 23:21-23, 25).
Scholars tell us that the reforms of King Josiah launched
the greatest revival throughout the kingdom in Old Testament history.
The days we live in are filled with sin, fear, and
unrest. Many people in distress are turning to God, discovering His Word, and
uncovering the hope that’s found in Christ. We hear reports of increased retail
sales of Bibles and many are digging out Bibles they haven’t touched for years.
Because of a renewed interest in God and Jesus, many
spiritual leaders and modern-day prophets predict that a new Great Awakening
and Last Days Revival is right around the corner. How thrilling to think we
might be a part of that! Repeatedly we hear, “If My people who are called
by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from
their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and
heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
God’s Word is certainly powerful—giving life, strength,
and hope for the future. Like Josiah, lets read The Book and allow God to
revolutionize our spirits.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:11).
After Josiah read the Book he repented of national sin and
took action. If repentance is in order, we need to go before God and repent. He
loves each of us more than we can imagine and desires for us to be in right
relationship with Him. He is quick to forgive when we sincerely repent for our
sins.
Through Jesus, God’s Son, and with the help of His Spirit
we can live our days in harmony with our Creator. He put us on His planet at
this time in history to give us abundant life and to help Him build His
kingdom.
Let’s pray: Father God, these are amazing days I’m
living in. It’s also amazing to think you placed me here to serve Your own
purpose in this time in history. Help me to know You better through Your Word,
to hear You as You teach and guide me, and to serve you according to your plan
for me as I join You in the building of Your kingdom. I want to glorify You
with my life. In Jesus name—amen.
* All Scripture quotes are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.
©Copyright 2020 Connie Wohlford
