(352) 19 December : Proverbs 19v14 / 2 Kings 22:1-23:30 / Psalm 78v70-72

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 19:14

Understanding to grow in

True spiritual revival, whether personal or national always centres on the Bible as the word of God. "The book of the law" found in today's reading was most likely the book of Deuteronomy or the first five Bible books - the book of Moses. On reading it, Josiah realises what the rest of the people had ignored: the seriousness of their unfaithfulness to the Lord and his covenant meant that they were subject to his covenant curse. This would mean not only trials in the land, but ultimately removal from it (see Deut 28). And so Josiah leads the nation in repentance, taking every step he could to conform them to the word of God. Josiah therefore foreshadows Christ who zeleously leads us to repentance, urging us to bring every thought and every corner of life into conformity to the scriptures, and so under his rule. But for Judah it was not enough. The people had proved themselves fickle in their repentance so many times. And so judgement would still come, although Josiah would be saved by death from witnessing it. As you read, note how Josiah's faithfulness to the Lord was expressed. 
2 Kings 22:1-23:30

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 78:70-72

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here