Words: 2 Kings 22 (abridged) (NLT)
22 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, … 2 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right.
9 Shaphan went to the king and reported, “Your officials have turned over the money collected at the Temple of the Lord to the workers and supervisors at the Temple.” 10 Shaphan also told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a scroll.” So Shaphan read it to the king.
11 When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. 12 Then he gave these orders … 13 “Go to the Temple and speak to the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah. Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.”
Truth can just disappear! It can be missing for generations. How difficult it must have been for this young king. He was committed to restoring the temple, which was already a big step and something his forefathers had not done. He wanted to do right by God—everything that he could think of! Perhaps it is God waiting for the right king before he allows the Book of the Law to be found. Another king might have simply burned it! But not Josiah.
Josiah’s response is to believe that it is the Word of God. He does not challenge its authenticity. He does not attempt to rationalize whether the nation should listen or not to words written hundreds of years earlier. He says, so this is the reason we have so many national troubles! We are not doing what God has always wanted us to do.
Banning the posting of the ten commandments does not invalidate them. Keeping prayer out of schools does not keep prayer out of schools nor make prayer ineffective. We can begin to ignore God nationally, but that does not diminish God nor make him impotent. By losing God’s book, we might return to the spiritual dark ages, but one day—according to his plan—He will be found.
Prayer: O Lord, make this a national day of finding your words and your will, not of losing them. And when we find them, Father, give us first penitent hearts for having lost your words, but then eager hearts to restore your reign. Your kingdom come, your will be done. Amen
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