Read 2 Kings 21
Highlights:
Evil reigns of Manasseh and Amon; Josiah's good reign; Book of the Law discovered; idolatry destroyed.
And Hilkiah the high priest said . . . I have found the Book of the Law in the House of the Lord (II Kin. 22:8).
When Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law that he rent his clothes (displaying grief over the nation's sins) (22:11). He then destroyed the altars of Baal, and he burnt the bones of the [false] priests upon their altars (II Chr. 34:5). By doing this, he fulfilled the prophecy foretold 300 years earlier (I Kin. 13:2).
Josiah was a godly king. And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart . . . neither after him arose there any like him (II Kin. 23:25). Josiah became king at a very young age, but even from his youth he was dedicated to God. He did not follow in the steps of his father and grandfather, but decided to trust in the Word of God. Surely, this young man had access to a history of how those before him had ruled. However, he chose to follow the Word of God over how they lived. He applied the example of God's Word to his life instead of that of man. In doing so, this young man changed a nation.
Prayerfully consider the key to Josiah's greatness, as revealed through the prophetess Huldah: As touching the words thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender . . . when thou heardest what I spake against this place . . . I also have heard thee, saith the Lord (22:18-19).
Every Christian needs the Word of God to instruct and keep alive his spiritual and personal relationship with God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17). All Scripture includes every verse from Gen. 1:1 to Rev. 22:21. To separate ourselves from it, even for a short time, removes spiritual nurturing from our soul. The Word of God is our direct link to the throne of God. His very words are written to us to direct our paths daily (Luke 11:28). If you traveled every day to different places, would you ever not consult your road map? The Bible is truly our road map to life and should be read every day so as to help us stay on the narrow . . . way, which leadeth unto life (Matt. 7:14).
Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3).
Thought for Today:
The Word of God is the Christian's most precious possession.
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, practiced witchcraft, fortune-telling, devil worship, black magic; 21:12 ears shall tingle, will be astonished with horror; 23:17 title, monument, grave marker.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Karen Hawkins • Country: Costa Rica (4 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom is increasing • 90% Roman Catholic; 6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to give you mercy and compassion for others (Jude 1:21-22).
Optional Reading: Romans 12
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 5:21