Bible Pathway - May 9, 2010
Highlights:
The Book of the Law discovered; true worship restored; idolatry destroyed by Hezekiah's great-grandson, who was one of the most godly of all the kings. Don't miss his covenant with the Lord (II Kin. 23:3).
Though little is known of Huldah the prophetess, she had great influence in Jerusalem. The high priest and the king recognized her prophetic gift and sought her spiritual guidance. Only two other prophetesses are mentioned in the long history of the Old Testament — Miriam (Ex. 15:20) sang spiritual songs and Deborah (Judg. 4:4) aroused the enthusiasm of the people to win a war. But neither prophesied like Huldah: Thus saith the Lord (II Kin. 22:15-16,18-19). God is no respecter of persons or sex in distributiing His spiritual gifts to all who seek . . . first the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33).
Unlike religions which disregard the equality of women, the Bible reveals: As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek . . . bond or free . . . male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:27-28). This is evidenced by Huldah, the prophetess during the days when the Word of God was discovered in the Temple, as well as Philip the evangelist's four daughters, who also prophesied (Acts 21:8-9). God has revealed: Your daughters shall prophesy (2:17; Joel 2:28).
When Josiah heard the Lord's words of impending judgment spoken by Huldah, he rent his clothes and could not rest until the House of God had been restored (II Kin. 22:3-6,19,23:4-7). The command was the king's, the oversight was the high priest's, the execution was the workmen's. When the laborers are faithful in doing their work, the high priest in directing it spiritually, and the king in upholding The Commandments of God, a nation cannot fail to receive the blessings of God (22:11-13). Huldah the prophetess. . . . said . . . to the king of Judah . . . Because . . . thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord . . . I also have heard thee, saith the Lord (II Kin. 22:14-19).
The discovery of the Word of God evidenced the indestructibility of the only inspired revelation of God. In this instance, Huldah acknowledged the authority of the Scriptures which were found.
Pity the Christian who fails to pray for opportunities to serve the Lord.
He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Eph 4:11-12).
Thought for Today:
He (every Christian) that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches (Rev. 3:6).
Christ Portrayed:
By the prophets (II Kin. 21:10). God, who . . . spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).
Word Studies:
21:6 observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits =b> practiced witchcraft, fortune-telling, devil worship, black magic; 21:12 ears shall tingle =b> will be astonished with horror; 23:17 title =b> monument, grave marker.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Iran (66.2 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Farsi and Turki • Hostile to all Christian activity • 87% Shi'a; 12% Sunni; .5% Baha'i; .4% Christian; .03% Jewish; .04% Parsi (Zoroastrian); .03% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for the power of His Word (Heb. 4:12).
Optional Reading: Romans 12
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:4
