King Josiah rips his clothes when he hears the words of the book of law. Public Domain Dedication (CC0 1.0)
Good day. In 2 Kings 22, we read about a pivotal moment in the history of Judah. King Josiah is a young king with a heart for God. When the Book of the Law is found during the renovation of the temple. Reading the book, Josiah realizes the extend of Judah’s disobedience to God’s commands. Josiah responds immediately in humility.
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people …, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. (verse 19)
Josiah sets an example for the whole nation and for all of us. He shows genuine repentance and a renewed commitment to follow God’s commands. And it leads to significant transformation.
Can we then say, let us not read the Bible too much, so when we do not know what God wants, then we do not have to follow so many things. And God cannot say I am disobedient. It does not work that way. The Bible tells us, if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.
The story of King Josiah in 2 Kings 22 teaches us two things. Firstly, the importance of knowing God’s Word. Only then can we know how to live according to his will. There are many good books I enjoy. The only book that gives life is the Bible. Secondly, once we know the Word of God, we need to respond. Do not just read it. Think about it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Ponder over it. Breathe it. Live it.
The more we know about the Word of God and respond to it, the more it can transform our lives. It is through knowing and the Word of God and responding the Word of God that we slowly become more and more Christ-like.
What is stopping you from reading the Word of God diligently? What is stopping you from absorbing the truth from the Bible like a sponge? What is preventing you from living out the Word of God?
I invite you to say this prayer.
My Father, I love you. I thank you for your Word that guides me and convicts me. Let my heart be responsive just like Josiah’s. Let me be ready to repent when you call and follow your ways faithfully. Help me to discover and rediscover your truth with immense joy every day. Help me to live according to your will. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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