Arrested by God's Word

Image of Josiah reading God's Word to God's people — Image source: Glory Story

In today’s Bible reading* we read about Josiah, who became King at eight years old. He was arrested by God’s Word when it was discovered in the temple. He and the high priest Hilkiah realized that the kings and their people had violated God’s commands given through Moses.

The high priest Hilkiah told the court secretary Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the LORD’s temple,” and he gave the book to Shaphan, who read it. … Then the court secretary Shaphan told the king, “The priest Hilkiah has given me a book,” and Shaphan read it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. … “Go and inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah about the words in this book that has been found. For great is the LORD’s wrath that is kindled against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words of this book in order to do everything written about us.”
2 Kings 22:8, 10-11, 13 (CSB)

Application

Josiah was profoundly affected when he was confronted by what was written in the Book of the Law. It affected him so much that he tore his clothes, an expression of grief in that time and culture. And he made changes to the way he and his nation related to God.

How often are you profoundly affected by God’s Word? Have you ever been grieved over your sin as God revealed Himself to you in His Word? Perhaps you have become desensitized to what God says. Perhaps you have become apathetic and rarely even consult with God’s Word.

Go back and re-read the verses above. Ask God what adjustments you need to make in your daily life to cultivate a hunger for God’s Word. To fall in love with God’s Word. And to be more passionate about listening to God’s voice in the Bible.

Ask God to reveal Himself — and to reveal you. (Psalm 139:23–24) And based on what He says, make adjustments to your life accordingly.

* Chapters covered in today’s reading:
2 Kings 22
2 Kings 23
2 Chronicles 34
2 Chronicles 35

This devotional was originally published on August 4, 2021.

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