In 2 Kings 23:1-24:7, we see the reforms of King Josiah and his attempt to revive the things of God in the land of Judah. “The king went up to the temple of the LORD and he read in the hearing of all the people the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the temple of the LORD” (verse 2). One wonders how this book could ever be misplaced or lost? The book of Deuteronomy prescribed that the king should “write for himself a copy of the law … and he is to read it all the days of his life” (cf., Deuteronomy 17:18-19). If only the kings of Israel and Judah had fulfilled this requirement, would Judah be in its current predicament? Chapter 23 details Josiah’s commitment to return to the Lord. “With all his heart and soul” (verse 3), Josiah ordered the removal and burning of all articles dedicated to Baal, Asherah, and all the starry hosts” (verse 4). He “did away with the pagan priests, ground the Asherah poles to powder, tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes, desecrated the high places, pulled down the altars made by the kings of Judah, smashed the sacred stones, and demolished the altar at Bethel that Jeroboam built” many years before (verses 4-16). In addition, Josiah ordered the people to “Celebrate the Passover to the LORD” which had not been observed “since the days of the judges of Israel” (verses 21-22). He “got rid of the mediums, the spiritists, the household gods, and the idols” (verse 24). There was never a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did – with all his heart, soul, and strength in accordance with all the Low of Moses” (verse 25). That’s quite a testimony to Josiah, but we also read that it was not enough – “I will remove Judah from my presence as I removed Israel” (verse 27). Too little, too late. We are appalled at the depth of sin into which the Jewish people have fallen. The end of today’s reading reveals that Josiah later met Pharaoh in battle and was slain. Jehoahaz, his evil son, replaced him as king for a three-month reign followed by Jehoiakim, another evil king, who reigned for eleven years. Now, however, we see the development of God’s plan to punish and remove Judah. God brings the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar, who invades the land – “because of the sins of Manasseh” (verse 4).
Today we come to a lovely passage – Psalm 84 – which holds a special place in my heart. Back in 1981, when we worked on the mission field, we created an artistic, 1982 gift-calendar for all our supporters. The calendar focused on the twelve verses of Psalm 84 (see illustrated example above). This Psalm is a beautiful picture of the “loveliness of His dwelling place” (verse 1) – a special habitation in God's heart occupied by His child. In this world, we are like tiny, needy “sparrows who find their ways into His courts – for which our souls yearn – where our hearts and our flesh cry out for the living God - Who provides us with His rest and security – as we go from strength to strength” (verses 2- 7).
We come also today to the book of Romans - probably Paul’s greatest letter. The book of Romans informs us of the problem of our sin (chapters 1-2); God’s provision of salvation (chapters 3-5); His purpose for our sanctification (chapters 6-8); the power of God’s sovereignty (chapters 9-11); and the pattern for our service (chapters 12-16). In chapter 1:1-17, we see how Paul has packed this section with incredible truth, and I deeply appreciate everything Paul writes in this whole letter to the Romans. In verse 16, Paul says that the gospel contains great “power that brings salvation” to those who believe it. He is not ashamed of the gospel, and I agree — any belief system that brings shame to the one who maintains it is not worth holding and should be discarded. Many unbelievers are actually proud of their foolish beliefs - even when they cannot explain or defend them - which is truly shameful, and yet they cling to their absurd ideas.
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