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Kings 22 reminds me of how often we do things as religious rituals or
traditions rather than as acts of true worship. The chapter
describes how the young king discovered the Word of God, literally
reading it for the first time. The experience left him profoundly
changed. The chapter begins, “Josiah
was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem
thirty-one years… He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and
walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the
right or to the left“.
It is important to note that his father, King Amon, was so corrupt
that he ruled only two years before being assassinated by
his
own officials. I picture this kid growing up trying to do the right
thing, in part because his father did not. It is likely that some
people remembered the rituals, but the meaning was lost. This
describes my life perfectly. I knew of God, but did not know God
knew me. And like the young king, my life was changed at the age of
26, when I heard God’s Word speak directly to my heart.
The
chapter continues, “In
the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the secretary…
to the temple of the Lord… pay the workers who repair the temple of
the Lord… have them purchase timber and dressed stone to repair the
temple“.
Let me point out that the king was in the act of trying to honor
God. I am certain there is no place we can hide from God; however,
if you are searching for God’s will, it is better to be searching
in a church than a bar. And notice the chain reaction from one man
to the next upon discovering the treasure of God’s truth. The high
priest reported to the king’s secretary, “I
have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord“.
He then brought it to the king. “Hilkiah
the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the
presence of the king“.
This is how the Joy of salvation spreads. We share our experience
with others and allow God’s Word to work in their life. The king
immediately understood how far he and the nation had strayed from
God’s standard. “When
the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes“.
This act of mourning indicates heartfelt change.
The
king reacted immediately.
“Go
and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah
about what is written in this book that has been found“.
The king recognized God’s desire to fulfill His promise to His
people. More importantly, he realized there was a very personal God
that desired a relationship with him directly. God spoke through a
prophetess (Perhaps as a reminder to us that God will speak to any
heart that is willing and open?). “I
am going to bring disaster on this place and its people, according to
everything written in the book… because they have forsaken me and
burned incense to other gods and provoked me to anger“.
But God is always merciful, even in His judgment. He gave a promise
to the king, “Because
your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord …
and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard
you, declares the Lord. …you will be buried in peace. Your eyes
will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place“.
Psalm 119 is written to those of us dealing with the struggles of
life. “Trouble
and anguish have overtaken me, Yet
Your commandments are
my delights. The righteousness of Your testimonies is
everlasting; Give me understanding, and I shall live”
(verse 143-144). God’s Word is life!