Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Obedient to the Law of the Lord
2 Kings 22:3-20

“Because Thine heart was tender and thou hast humbled thyself before the Lord.” (19)

This chapter is a description of King Josiah’s reign in Judah. He was only eight years old when he became King of Judah and he ruled Jerusalem for thirty one years. He did what was pleasing to the Lord. He followed the example of his ancestor, King David, strictly obeying all the laws of God. Josiah also may have prayed like King David: Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God. (Ps: 143:10).
Discovery of the Law of the Lord
In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent his court secretary Shaphan and two other men to the High Priest Hilkiah to get money for the repairs of the house of the Lord. In addition to the money collected for the repairs, Hilkiah sent the Book of the Law, that God has given to Moses that was found in the house of the Lord. Shaphan read the Book aloud to the King. When King Josiah understood the magnitude of the disobedience of himself and his people to the laws of the Lord, he sent his royal robes and he wept before the Lord.
Actions to correct Mistakes
Josiah sent officials to enquire about the sins of him and his people and learnt that God was going to punish them for rejecting him and offering sacrifices to other God’s. In fact they were disobeying the first of the Jew commandments. Thou shall have no other gods before me (Ex: 20:3; Deut: 5:7).Many of us make money, positions, children, possession etc. like our gods. God forbids it. These lead us to the path of destruction and despair. “But the gate to life is narrow and the way that leads to it is hard, and there are a few who find it” ( Mat:7:14).”Seek ye first the kingdom of God and righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mat:6:33).
Blessings for obeying the Laws of the Lord
King Josiah sent his officials to consult a prophet as to what he should do to avert the anger of the Lord. The theme chosen for today’s meditation was God’s answer to King Josiah. “And the punishment which I am going to bring on Jerusalem will not come until after your death. I will let you die in peace”. (2 Kings 22:20). King Josiah was given this message. To have a peaceful life and death is the hope of all who put their trust in the Law of the Lord. And this is the prayer we use in our worship services every Sunday. “Make us all worthy of the good end that is set for all children of peace”  (The Order of Worship for Holy Qurbana, p.53; first line).
Prayer: Lord, your commandments are my eternal possession; they are the joy of my heart. I have decided to obey your Laws until the day I die. Amen
Thought for the Day: Are we obedient?


Susan Zachariah, NJMTC, Randolph.

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