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)
