Creator, Father, King #115

The word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

DOES BEING A POWERFUL king and ruling over an entire nation sound exciting to you—or intimidating? What about being made a king while you’re still losing your baby teeth?

Welcome to Josiah’s world.

Josiah ascended to Judah’s throne at age eight when his father, Amon, was assassinated just two years into his evil reign. On top of that, Josiah’s grandfather, Manasseh, was the worst king in Judah’s long history. His rampant idolatry provoked God’s future judgment on Judah.

Poor Josiah. While other kids his age were learning how to read, write, and properly milk a goat, his skinny shoulders carried large burdens.

In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, his officials found the Book of the Law (2 Kings 22:8) in the Temple—likely a dusty, long-overlooked scroll of Deuteronomy—and read it to the king. Josiah “tore his clothes in despair” (2 Kings 22:11). He knew Judah’s sins were exceedingly great.

So he swiftly enacted reforms:

• He read God’s law to the people and called for their obedience (23:1-4).
• He cleansed the land of idolatrous worship objects (23:4-19).
• He executed pagan priests (23:20).
• He restored the annual Passover (23:21-23).
• He banished psychics, mediums, and household gods throughout the land (23:24).

God was pleased with Josiah’s humble, obedient response. “You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city,” God said (2 Kings 22:20).

What’s It Mean?

When Josiah heard God’s Word, he was cut to the heart. He immediately repented, asked for God’s forgiveness on behalf of himself and the nation, and sought to faithfully obey.

As today’s verse says, Scripture “is alive and powerful.” That’s because it contains the words of the living God, graciously given to us to help us know him and live righteously.

Reading Scripture is a beautiful thing. But it’s not always pleasant. “It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires,” and they aren’t always godly. We must be willing to change based on the conviction God brings, just like Josiah.

When we read the Bible, it has an amazing way of piercing our hearts with conviction and bringing change—as long as we remain humble before the Lord. Is this what happens when you read God’s Word? Hopefully so! Let his Spirit speak, convict, and guide you.

Now What?

Do you often approach Bible reading only out of habit or duty? Ask God to replace that attitude with love and desire for his Word.

Did You Know?

Pharaoh Neco killed Josiah in battle at Megiddo in 609 BC.