2 Chronicles 34: 19 – 28

Here are some key thoughts from today’s passage:

  • (19) Reverence for the Word: Josiah was a man who trembled at God’s Word. He allowed himself to feel its impact. He was aware of its volcanic eruptions deep inside him. He did not close himself off to any of its reverberations. Find out what we must do in response to what is written in this book that has just been found! (21) The Message (God sees the heart response to His truth and He hears the prayers of those who honour His Word: 25-28. This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2b)
  • (20, 21)Openness to the Word: He had a soft heart towards God and His Book. He opened himself to hear more, even though it might be painful, because he wanted to respond wholeheartedly to God. He was prepared to face the truth that the nation was in deep trouble because of sin not confessed or turned away from. Sadly, I have known what it is to want to avoid a meeting where I was likely to hear or experience things that might stretch or cost me. It takes spiritual integrity of the highest order to sincerely say, ‘Let me have it with both barrels.’
  • (22)A channel for the word (see also 23, 24): Huldah stands in the line of those women leaders God used greatly in both Old and New Testaments. Josiah was a man and the king, but he bowed to her word in this situation because he knew it was HIS word above all: the word of the Lord. God’s Word can come through us visually, as we embody its teaching and principles; its standards and values. We can be ‘living’ Bibles. It can also come through us verbally as we courageously pass its message on to others. Be a conduit for His living Word (and, of course, His prophetic word, as He may choose to reveal it to you from time to time.)
  • (23, 24) God keeps His Word: For the most part this is an encouraging thought; something to comfort ourselves with. But it also has a sharp edge to it, and there are times we will be cut by God’s commitment to His own Word. We will feel the deep, sharp thrust of divine truth in our souls, and things can happen at God’s Word that we don’t want to take place.

 …there is something I’m looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say. (Isaiah 66:2b) The Message. Josiah was such a person, and God blessed and honoured him.

Because you took seriously the doom of judgment I spoke against this place…I’m taking you seriously. (27) The Message.

I heard a story about a pastor who was very successful and he was asked, ‘What is your secret?’ He replied, ‘I don’t really know. All I can say is that I am a serious reader of the Bible.’ Now there is something to aspire to. I venture to suggest that Josiah displays something of what it means.

Prayer: Lord I want to have my prayers taken seriously in heaven; help me to take each word in your Word seriously here on earth.