Scripture:
2 Chronicles 34:19-21 ESV
[19] And when the king heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes. [20] And the king commanded Hilkiah, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Abdon the son of Micah, Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king’s servant, saying, [21] “Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.”
Observation:
GOD’S chosen people had been chasing after other gods for a long time. They had taken HIS word and hid it in the temple more than likely, hoping that no one would find it. But with a new king on the throne. It was time for changes. As they were cleaning out the temple, they found the books that Moses had written along the journey from Egypt to the edge of the promised land. Out of curiosity, they decided to read it, and what was feared by those who hid the book came to pass. The heart of the kings was turned to the LORD. He requested those who were there in his quarters to inquire of the LORD. Reading and understanding the book of the law brought the truth to the surface. All that they were going through as a kingdom had been because they had strayed from the instructions in the book. Their fathers had been led astray, and GOD’S wrath was being poured out as a result, and the king was ready for that to stop. It was clear to him that after reading that it was not following, it was what had brought all the hard times they had faced as a kingdom up to this point, and it was time for change.
Application:
I need to tell you that, honestly, everything I do that involves any kind of ministry has to do with my desire for you to experience the same type of life change that I have experienced. There is really no secret to what has happened to me. I have found and read GOD’S living word, and the only place I want to hide it is in my heart so that I do not sin against HIM. If you don’t know me personally. I want to tell you a little bit about who I am. My life was falling apart when I made the decision to start reading the bible regularly. I had no answers. I just knew I could not continue the way I was living. I hated it so unfulfilling so empty. My reading skills were very low, and in fact, I had only read 5 books in my entire life, the bible being number 6. But once I found it and set out to read it…my life changed, I had a better understanding of why things were the way they were in my life. I had been misled by those who were in charge of teaching me. Once I understood more about the LORD, my heart turned to HIM, and I wanted to live according to what HE wanted for me. After making the decision to seek GOD’S, will things have changed dramatically for me. Instead of experiencing all the Kaos and degradation of a life lived for the flesh, I get to see the promises of GOD in my life. Not that I have arrived by any means. As I continue to read GOD’S word, it continues to change me. Now listen, I’m not asking you to take my word for it…I’m asking you if you want your life to change and if the answer to that question is yes. Then, pick up the only book that has that kind of power and read it. Don’t take anyone’s word for it. Find out yourself. Read it through once if you don’t get it all the first time. Read it through again. Every time I read it through, I get more and more out of it. I have been from cover to cover once a year for the past 7 years and had read it a few times before that. Reading it and applying the principles found in it will absolutely change your life. If you are not happy with the results, stop. But I can guarantee that your life will change for the better.
Prayer:
Father, we want our lives to change. We want to live according to your word. We don’t want to mold it to fit our lifestyle, but we want our lifestyle molded by the principles found in your word. We know that it does not change, and neither do you what you said yesterday is still the same today. So what we are asking for today is simple. Give us a deep desire to know your word. To read it and apply it to our lives. Help us to see the benefit to what you have told us is the absolute best for our lives. We know you have a plan for us. That does not bring harm. If we will only seek your face. We know that your face… who you are… your desire for us is found in your word. It doesn’t come from man. You tell us to study so that we may show ourselves approved. We are not looking to be approved unto man but unto you. Show yourself to us through your word. That is our desire. Increase our desire for the wisdom that you wrote as instructions for us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.