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 who read it. (v.8)
Because
of the long line of evil kings, the record of God’s laws had been lost. So when
Hilkiah found God’s law and Shaphan read it to King Josiah who tore his
clothes in grief and immediately began making religious reforms in his own life
and throughout the nation (v.11). King Josiah recognized the book's value and ordered
it to be read aloud to all the people of Judah (23:1-2). With just one reading
of God’s Word, he created a revival that changed the course of the nation
(23:3-25).
Today,
many people own Bibles. They are displayed on bookshelves, coffee tables and
nightstands – literally collecting dust in our homes (just as “the lost book”
found in the house of the Lord). However, we can only be changed by the truths
found inside. Therefore, we must read it, hear it and practice it. Then, like
Josiah, it will change our direction immediately and bring our lives into
harmony with God’s desires - even changing the course of a nation, if national
leaders will do the same.
The
Truth
“Most
assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes
in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but
has passed from death into life.” (John 5:24)
