SUMMARY: Respect
OVERVIEW: Once Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law, young King Josiah showed immediate respect for it and sought counsel on his next steps. God honored his response and blessed him for it.
BIG IDEA: The Bible: read it and heed it.
KEY VERSE: 2 Kings 22:13 (King Josiah to the officials)
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.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
My word was lost in Josiah’s time. Still, he sought me and earned the legacy of being one who “did not turn away from doing what was right.” He did not follow the path his grandfather Manasseh forged. Josiah learned from his ancestor, David. Right now, you are seeking me, listening to me. I want this to be the new normal in your life. Spend time with me regularly, but more importantly, don’t just hear what I have to say. Do what I teach you. When you do, you will live a life of purpose and find joy and great satisfaction.
Don’t worry about what you didn’t do yesterday. Josiah did not have my word for eighteen years, but he responded in humility and great enthusiasm when Hilkiah discovered it. I want you to have a similar response. Recognize my word is more than a book or an app. It is a timeless treasure that changes lives. It is living and active and waiting to be consumed and enjoyed. Thank you for spending time with me today. Keep your eyes and ears open. I have much to show you.
NEXT STEP
Don’t let your Bible get dusty (or your app buried in a folder). Read it and heed it regularly. Research shows that reading the Bible four or more days a week is transformational. You read today—great job; keep going!
LYRIC VIDEO