The Return Of The Elders

The Return Of The Elders 

Ezra 1:5-8 NKJV

[5] Then the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem. [6] And all those who were around them encouraged them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. [7] King Cyrus also brought out the articles of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem and put in the temple of his gods; [8] and Cyrus king of Persia brought them out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. 

   What we are about to encounter in these verses maybe described as restoration. It signifies returning something or someone to their original state or a former, positive condition, often representing God's redemptive work in individuals and nations. God didn't do it once as we will see. This was, however, the start.

   Note that the invitation to return was open, but the people who were moved were the fathers and religious leaders, and of course , some curiosity seekers. God's redemptive Work through restoration is a recurring theme through out the Word. It highlights God's desire to bring about wholeness and reconciliation as well as offer us  hope for the future. It's a promise of renewal. It is God's act of justice and mercy. 

    King Cyrus also returned all the articles of worship that Babylon had stolen. There was no temple, but they were going home. It promised to be tough, but they had to be in the center of God's will. Just imagine it...the arrival of the first elders. We had a similar experience of returning home after the civil war. The houses were broken down, but we saw pictures of today. You will go past the desolations in Jesus Name. One thing, for sure, you are free and back. Good morning.

Gedaliah Ruled For Seven Months

Gedaliah Ruled For Seven Months 

II Kings 25:22-26 NKJV

[22] Then he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor over the people who remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left. [23] Now when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, Johanan the son of Careah, Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men. [24] And Gedaliah took an oath before them and their men, and said to them, “Do not be afraid of the servants of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.” [25] But it happened in the seventh month that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family, came with ten men and struck and killed Gedaliah, the Jews, as well as the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. [26] And all the people, small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose and went to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans. 

    When Gedaliah was appointed Governor of Judah, he should have dealt with the growing resistance of the young men first. Count the leaders of the revolutionary that returned. Ishmael, Johanan, Seraiah, Netophathite, Jaazaniah. These were military captains. The stage is already set for a revolution. Taking oath from them was useless. In seven months, they struck. 

    Guzik reports that "It seems that Gedaliah was a good and godly man, who was a friend of the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 26:24; Jer 39:14)". He set Jeremiah free from prison. Perhaps Jeremiah had told him that God is using Babylon to accomplish His will. By removing Gedaliah, they made themselves the dirrct enemy of Babylon. People panicked, and some ran to Egypt. 

    There was still Jeremiah. They could still hear God, yet they chosed to take matters into their own hands and create an interegnum. The world is not ruled by your feelings. Learn to hear God before you act. Wisdom is the principal thing. Don't play into the hands of your enemies. Have you heard God concerning your situation? Good morning.

Judah Was Stripped Of Men And Substance

Judah  Was Stripped Of Men And Substance 

II Kings 25:18-21 NKJV

[18] And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, Zephaniah the second priest, and the three doorkeepers. [19] He also took out of the city an officer who had charge of the men of war, five men of the king’s close associates who were found in the city, the chief recruiting officer of the army, who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the city. [20] So Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, took these and brought them to the king of Babylon at Riblah. [21] Then the king of Babylon struck them and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. Thus Judah was carried away captive from its own land. 

In May 2nd, 2018 Chuck Swindoll wrote a vignette on Psa. 137, vv1-9. The introduction to that write up is best suited to our verses today. " The people of God failed to heed centuries of warnings and found themselves living with the consequences of disobedience. While God had not removed His fellowship—He loved the people of Judah as much as ever—He stripped them of their covenant blessings. No longer did they live in the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. No longer could they worship in the temple in Jerusalem". Note those words..." He stripped them of their covenant blessings ". That implies that their acceptance, approval as a people and self worth were destroyed.

    See the systematic way the enemy made sure that it will take a lomg time for Judah to recover. Select men of influence were taken. Their substance, including that of the temple were looted. This strategy is still being used today by the enemy. When God wants to bless you, He gives you men and substance. The enemy takes that away. God's redemption came through the Man, Jesus Christ. He opens the door for the right men to come through to your help. May your men not be few. May you not lack substance of sustenance in Jesus Name. May the covenant consistently speak for your covering. Good morning.

The Fall And Captivity of Judah

The Fall And Captivity Of Judah 

II Kings 25:1-4 NKJV

[1] Now it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and encamped against it; and they built a siege wall against it all around. [2] So the city was besieged until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. [3] By the ninth day of the fourth month the famine had become so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. [4] Then the city wall was broken through, and all the men of war fled at night by way of the gate between two walls, which was by the king’s garden, even though the Chaldeans were still encamped all around against the city. And the king went by way of the plain. 

The Prophet Ezekiel in Ezek.12:13 had prophesied the end of Judah. Of course no one took him seriously. Now the drama unfolds exactly as it was prophesied. For almost two years, Judah held ground against the Babylonians. David Guzik reports that " Nebuchadnezzar used the common method of attack in those days of securely walled cities – a siege wall. A siege was intended to surround a city, prevent all business and trade from entering or leaving the city, and to eventually starve the population into surrender". Albert Barnes adds that, " Its calamities - famine, pestilence, and intense suffering - are best understood from the Lamentations of Jeremiah, written probably almost immediately after the capture". Don't let the enemy lay siege and starve you out of God's protection. Cry out to out for help. 

    The planned secret break by Zedekiah ended in a fiasco and the King was captured in the plains of Jericho. Would his capture at the plains suggest that their cup had come full circle? It was from Jericho that Israel began to occupy the land of promise. Dilday says, " Here, where Israel experienced her first victory as the walls of Jericho fell before unarmed men who trusted God, was the scene of her last defeat.” 

    Before they put out Zedekiah's eyes, his children were executed. What a picture to live with for refusing God's help. Ezekiel had prophesied this. Ezek.12:13. Wiseman concludes this gory tale, " If Zedekiah had heeded the prophet’s word, he would have saved both Jerusalem and himself (Jer 38:14-28), for he was to die in Babylon (Ezk 12:14).” There's a time to head the warnings. The time is now. Don't wait till its too late. Good morning.

Judah Carried Into Captivity

Judah Carried Into Captivity

II Kings 24:10, 13-16 NKJV

[10] At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged....[13] And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and he cut in pieces all the articles of gold which Solomon king of Israel had made in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had said. [14] Also he carried into captivity all Jerusalem: all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and smiths. None remained except the poorest people of the land. [15] And he carried Jehoiachin captive to Babylon. The king’s mother, the king’s wives, his officers, and the mighty of the land he carried into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon. [16] All the valiant men, seven thousand, and craftsmen and smiths, one thousand, all who were strong and fit for war, these the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon. 

    In Sept.,2,2024, Carolyn Luke made a very strong statement: " The God we serve is a jealous God, and He doesn’t want His people to serve Him and Satan. God will allow His people to go into captivity when they continue to reject the instructions of His written Word". That sums up our read today. That Captivity was the most traumatic experience in Judah. Here's what Becky Harling has to say. " The Babylonian captivity was one of the most traumatic events in Israel’s history. Historical theologians say that the trauma lasted until the coming of Jesus."

    The reason for that Captivity is explained more, in details, in 2 Chron. 36:15-17. Harling believes that there are at least three lessons that we can learn from the Babylonian Captivity. 

1. God takes idolatry very seriously..Exod. 20:3.

 2. In captivity, we are often awakened to God’s abiding presence...Dan.3:25

  3. Captivity can be used by God to transform our lives...Rom.8:28.

So God wasn't being mean to the captives, He had a purpose.

    " Even when God leads us into captivity, it really is for our good—for our redemption". You may ask: What good is there to be enslaved? Foley would answer that God , " protects us even when we’re in captivity. You can see that in the way that those who mistreat us when we are in captivity always get punished by him". Foley emphasizes, " Always—always—there is a glorious redemption for those owned by God". Your case is not beyond redemption. Take that to the bank. The enemy will NOT win. It might have taken a few days, but victory will come by Christ Jesus. You're not alone. Good morning.

Jehoahaz's Short Reign

Jehoahaz's Short Reign 

II Kings 23:31-34 NKJV

[31] Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he became king, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. [32] And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. [33] Now Pharaoh Necho put him in prison at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and he imposed on the land a tribute of one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. [34] Then Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in place of his father Josiah, and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Pharaoh took Jehoahaz and went to Egypt, and he died there. 

Knapp gives us an idea of what happened to this young King. " The regular succession to the throne of Judah ceased with the lamented Josiah. Jehoahaz was not the eldest son of the late king. Johanan and Jehoiakim were both older than he (1 Chronicles 3:15). He was made king by popular choice: it was the preference of the multitude, not the appointment of God.” would this have been a contributory factor to his short reign? 

   After the death of Josiah, Necho, King of Egypt had imposed heavy taxes on Judah. He replaced Jehoahaz with another of the King's son. Jehoahaz was forced on exile, where, he died. Something significant stands out in his short reign. "...he did evil in the sight of the Lord". What a contrast to his father's reign. Would this have been the reason God allowed him to be taken captive and removed from Judah? The man would have obliterated all the reforms of King Josiah. There was something demonic in this man's life. God allowed him to be taken out. Tge place of authority you have is given you by grace. Don't use it to fight God. Gid who allowed you to be appointed, knowswhat to do next. 

    When God presents an opportunity to serve, embrace it with a humble heart, recognizing it as a blessing and a chance to grow closer to Him and make a positive impact on others. Col.3:23.  Pray for guidance and wisdom from God to discern the best way to serve and to ensure your actions align with His will. Good morning.

King Josiah's Death: He didn't Ask God

King Josiah's Death: He didn't Ask God

2 Kings 23:28-30 KJV

[28] Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? [29] In his days Pharaoh-nechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him. [30] And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead. 

This battle" was part of the geopolitical struggle between the declining Assyrian Empire and the emerging Babylonian Empire. The Assyrians made an alliance with the Egyptians to protect against the growing power of the Babylonians". There's no record anywhere that Josiah consulted God before he went into battle against the Egyptians. Don't feel so able that you forget to ask God. Asking God for help involves humbly acknowledging your limitations and seeking divine guidance and support, recognizing that God is a source of strength and wisdom in times of need. This story is also detailed in 2 Chronicles 35:22. Josiah was wounded in Meggido. 

     He disguised himself into the battle and he was still shot. Knapp says, " “It was not of faith, else why ‘disguise’ himself? There is no record of any prayer before the battle, as in the case of so many of his godly ancestors; and this rash act of Josiah seems unaccountable.” He was taken home for burial. This is the end of one of Judah's best Kings. Divine direction describes God's guidance and leading in our lives, often sought through prayer, scripture, and seeking counsel. This was missing in his plans. He ignored the details which are stated in 2 Chronicles 35:22. Pharaoh insisted he had God's Divine direction in that battle. Josiah should have asked God. Don't be so much in a hurry that you're forced to leave before your celebration time. Ask God. Good morning.

Nevertheless.....

Nevertheless.....

II Kings 23:24-27 NKJV

[24] Moreover Josiah put away those who consulted mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord. [25] Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.  [26] Nevertheless the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath, with which His anger was aroused against Judah, because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him. [27] And the Lord said, “I will also remove Judah from My sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, ‘My name shall be there.’ ” 

The word ' nevertheless ' is an adverb which describes a different attitude which should have followed all the good things and reforms spoken. It is similar in meaning to ' but '. V.26 was the most difficult verse Ive read so far. Didnt God say if we repent....you know what Im about to say. It was not until I read this submission on jamesjackson blog that I had some peace. " We might think it is unfair that God would still punish Judah even after Josiah’s reforms, but the fact is, it was God’s mercy that preserved the kingdom for five more generations after Manasseh. God stayed His hand long enough for Manasseh to repent. He was followed by Amon, who was just as wicked as his father, but unlike Manasseh did not repent. Then came Josiah, the last good king of Judah. Through Josiah, God allowed one more generation to seek the Lord, to find the Book of the Law, and to reinstate the Passover. After Josiah came three evil kings in a row, and then the end.". God knows the end from the beginning.

    Judah and Jerusalem were destroyed twenty two years after Josiah. When you look at it from Ahaz, the most wicked King in Judah, youll see that God gave them over a hundred and thirty years to repent. That's not one hundred and thirty days.  James Jackson submits, " Grace and mercy are never about what’s fair. Mercy is not getting the punishment our sins deserve. Grace is getting all the riches in glory we don’t deserve. What’s fair about that?

    "The Glory of Israel will not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind” (1 Sam. 15:29; cf. Num. 23:19). These words of the prophet Samuel provide a straightforward reply to the question “Does God change His mind?” You may win the argument with your references, remember that it is right to live right with God. Good morning.

Leadership Beyond Boundaries

Leadership Beyond Boundaries 

II Kings 23:19-22 NKJV

[19] Now Josiah also took away all the shrines of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke the Lord to anger; and he did to them according to all the deeds he had done in Bethel. [20] He executed all the priests of the high places who were there, on the altars, and burned men’s bones on them; and he returned to Jerusalem. [21] Then the king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” [22] Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah. 

     During Josiah's reforms in the Southern Kingdom of Judah (c. 621 BC), the Northern Kingdom of Israel (or Samaria) had already been destroyed by the Assyrians, so there was no reigning king at that time.  That will help us understand how and why Josiah was able to expand the reforms of the southern Kingdom into the Northern kingdom. 

    In modern  times, effective leaders  facilitate cooperation and build a shared sense of purpose that extends beyond departmental or organizational silos. Boundaryless leadership values different perspectives and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute. Josiah didn't stay in Samsria, but he left a word for the worship of Jehovah and the celebration of passover. His leadership went beyond Judah.

   To empower the worship of Jehovah,  Josiah executed the priests of the high places in Samsria as well. There was an empowering that could only come from God. Then, he left a word for the celebration of the passover. You can't help but be amazed  at what God can do in a life surrendered to him. Global leaders are mindful of the interconnectedness of the world and take a global perspective, fostering cultural understanding and collaboration across borders. So was Josiah. May your leadership in the New Testament go beyond boundaries in Jesus Name. Good morning.

The Fulfilment Of Prophecies 3

The Fulfillment Of Prophecies 3

II Kings 23:16-18 NKJV

[16] As Josiah turned, he saw the tombs that were there on the mountain. And he sent and took the bones out of the tombs and burned them on the altar, and defiled it according to the word of the Lord which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words. [17] Then he said, “What gravestone is this that I see?” So the men of the city told him, “It is the tomb of the man of God who came from Judah and proclaimed these things which you have done against the altar of Bethel.” [18] And he said, “Let him alone; let no one move his bones.” So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came from Samaria.

     On December 9th, 2024, we wrote a second vignette on, " Fulfilled Prophecies ". We said, " When a prophecy is fulfilled, it is seen as evidence that God exists and that God spoke through the prophets as recorded in the Bible. It is also believed that fulfilled prophecies should motivate people to believe that future prophecies will also come to pass". Concerning Jesus Christ, Melanie Rainer presents a case where people tried to disbelief the prophecies in the presence of overwheming possibilities. Hear her: " John recounts Isaiah’s prophecy and experience to contextualize the Pharisees’ disbelief in Jesus as the Messiah. In Isaiah 53:1, Isaiah asks, “Who has believed what we have heard? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” When John makes this reference, he is showing us how Jesus fulfilled yet another prophecy in the Old Testament". Today, there's a reminder of prophecies that carried even the name of Josiah by it.

    Three hundred and twenty six years earlier,  before King Josiah was born, a Prophet had called him by name and mentioned these reformations he will perform. The record is in 1 Kings 13:1-2. Josiah honoured the gravestone of the Prophet. In Isaiah 41:21-23, God contrasts himself with the idols Israel worshipped, " Present your case,’ says the LORD. ‘Bring forth your strong reasons,’ says the King of Jacob. ‘Let them bring forth and show us what will happen; let them show the former things, what they were, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or declare to us things to come. Show the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods; yes, do good or do evil, that we may be dismayed and see it together". Jim Springer says that one of God's stributes is, "the ability to predict the future and make sure it comes to pass". God made this come to pass. He's making yours come to pass, have peace. Where you were rejected, theres a budding celebration about to bust. Prophecies are going to be fulfilled for you today. Good morning.

The Abundance Of Reformations

The Abundance Of Reformations

II Kings 23:10-15 NKJV

[10] And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter pass through the fire to Molech. [11] Then he removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the entrance to the house of the Lord, by the chamber of Nathan-Melech, the officer who was in the court; and he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. [12] The altars that were on the roof, the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord, the king broke down and pulverized there, and threw their dust into the Brook Kidron. [13] Then the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, which were on the south of the Mount of Corruption, which Solomon king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, for Chemosh the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom the abomination of the people of Ammon. [14] And he broke in pieces the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images, and filled their places with the bones of men. [15] Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he broke down; and he burned the high place and crushed it to powder, and burned the wooden image. 

King Josiah's reforms took place over a decade, beginning in his 8th year and culminating in his 18th year. Here's how he perfomed. 

8th year: Josiah began to seek the Lord.

12th year: Josiah began to destroy altars and images of Baal in Jerusalem and Judah.

18th year: Josiah began to renovate the temple in Jerusalem.

     From these reforms many positive things happened: 

-The discovery of the Book of the Law, likely a copy of Deuteronomy.

-The renewal of the covenant of Jehovah with the nation.

-The destruction of idolatrous worship in the Southern and Northern Kingdoms.

-The restoration of the celebration of Passover.

The details are in 2 Kings 22-23, 2 Chronicles 34-35. 

     Josiah became king of Judah at age eight and reigned for 31 years. He followed the ways of his great grandfather father David and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. In today's read, Josiah systematically removed all the set up that the devil had used to control what to worship. As you read the details you see how crafty  and detailed the devil is. This is what is happening to countries in contemporary times. Sometimes you watch pure witchcraft at display on international News. It is the reason we have to pray for those in authority and leadership in the nations. Please pray today. Revoke the plans of satan. God needs you.Good morning.

The Beginning Of Josiah's Revival

The Beginning Of  Josiah's Revival 

II Kings 23:3-5 NKJV

[3] Then the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes, with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people took a stand for the covenant. [4] And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests of the second order, and the doorkeepers, to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the articles that were made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven; and he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried their ashes to Bethel. [5] Then he removed the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem, and those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, to the moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. 

These are the words of Micah Stsmpley in a the popular song titled, "One Word". " Oh Lord speak into my life. I am a living sacrifice

Your word says live and not die

Oh Lord speak into my life....

One word I'm living this moment on a word

Not just any word but a word from you

A word that says I'm healed delivered and set free

There are no more chains holding me (Can I get a witness out here)". 

      We may not be able to quote the entire lyrics, but it appears to describe what happened to Josiah and started him on a streak of revival. This is what my Ai describes as scriptural revival, " In the Bible, revival is a spiritual awakening or renewal that can refer to a person, a region, or a group of people. It can also mean a restoration of God's presence among his people". When the King called all elders of Judah and Jerusalem to the house of the Lord, he was set on a reawakening.  It all happened because the King heard a word, the word of the Lord. 

     Got Questions? describes it deeper, " Revival refers to a spiritual reawakening from a state of dormancy or stagnation in the life of a believer. It encompasses the resurfacing of a love for God, an appreciation of God’s holiness, a passion for His Word and His church, a convicting awareness of personal and corporate sin, a spirit of humility, and a desire for repentance and growth in righteousness". And it all begins with the entrance of the word. One word.

     Got Questions continues the exposition. " In the letter to Ephesus, Christ praised the church for their perseverance and discernment, but He stated that they had forsaken their first love (Revelation 2:4-5). Many times as the excitement of acceptance to Christ grows cold, we lose the zeal that we had at first. We become bogged down in the ritual, going through the motions, but we no longer experience the joy of serving Christ. Revival helps restore that first love and passion for Christ. Revelation 2:10-11 refers to the church at Smyrna, which was suffering intense persecution. The cares and worries of life can beat us down, leaving us emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Revival can lift us up to new hope and faith". We are familiar with the arguments against revival. King Josiah had no time for dialectics. He wanted a serious reawakening. What do you want. Are you satisfied in your state? Or, do you want more of God? It may be time to clean the house for a real revival.Good morning.

The Impact Of Reading The Word

The Impact Of Reading The Word

II Kings 22:8, 10-13 NKJV

[8] Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 

[10] Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. [11] Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. [12] Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying, [13] “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

I was nine years old and had just learnt how to read. I came home one afternoon, and decided to read the story of the crucifixion. I sat down on the kitchen floor and I cried. I cried at the injustice to God's son whose only concern was to save the world. I wondered whether the people couldn't see through the scam of the devil to decieve the world. That was the best exegesis I could muster then. That event made a very strong impression on me. More than fifty five years later, the Word still makes a deeper impression on me.

    The Word of God is the source of truth, guidance, and transformation. It  helps people live lives of faith and obedience, and bring comfort and hope to the oppressed. Stacey Salsbery is a mother and a Bible teacher. She has a beautiful blog written on January 1,2024, where she exposed on "20 Benefits Of Being In Gods Word". We have no space to reproduce it here. Please find it and read the blog. " If only the world could grasp the benefits available to the soul who seeks God through His Word—willing to see it as truth, clinging to it at every turn. For the Word of God is life-changing and life-sustaining and life-giving. And it’s so much more, as the author of Psalm 119 ESV testifies. The psalmist offers us numerous reasons to run to the comfort of Scripture and never turn away from it.". Our entry today testifies to this impact on the King. V.11. That's where the Josiah's revival began, from the impact of the word.

    This is Hebrews 4:12. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart".  Check out Rom.1:16 and 10:17. Stay with us as we examine what the word did to the Kingship of Josiah. Read the word. Good morning.