Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, to purify the land and the temple, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah and Maaseiah the ruler of the city, with Joah son of Joahaz, the recorder, to repair the temple of the Lord his God. While they were bringing out the money that had been taken into the temple of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord that had been given through Moses. Then Shaphan took the book to the king and reported to him: “Your officials are doing everything that has been committed to them.” Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders…” Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the Word of the Lord; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book.”
– 2 Chronicles 34:8, 14, 16, 18-21
Devotion
Spiritual renewal began in Judah with the rebuilding of the temple. As part of this process, the Book of the Law that had been given by Moses was found. Upon hearing its words read, Josiah realized that his people had broken covenant with YAHWEH. At the end of the chapter, Josiah would call all the people to gather at the temple for an assembly. He would read in their hearing ALL the words of the Book of the Covenant. He would then renew the covenant in the presence of the Lord.
The Big Question
God’s Word played a pivotal part in the spiritual renewal of the nation under King Josiah. What role has God’s revealed Word played in your own spiritual growth? What lessons do we learn from history about the importance of God’s revealed truth? Corporate? Personal? Is your Bible marked by the wear and tear of usage or by the dust that collects from years of neglect and disregard?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence reflecting on what God revealed to you today?