Overview
By Olivia
Scripture Lesson Text: Acts 9: 36-43
> Overview : 2 Kings 22:8-10; 23:1-3, 21-23
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> In 1&2 Kings we get an indepth look at who and how the children of Israel were governed. There had been good and bad kings in the eyes of the Lord. In the book of Kings , we see how the king’s relationship with God could make or break the outcome of the reign of that king and the children of Israel. King Josiah made the choice to serve the Lord without wavering, and it was that very commitment that brought the people of God back to God.
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> King Josiah was 8 years old when he became the king of Israel. His bloodline determines that he could have gone either way with God, due to his father being wicked but also having king David in his genealogy as well. King Josiah put himself and the people that he was leading in a position to prosper by living a life surrendered to God. While Josiah was preparing to pay for the work that needed to be done on the temple, that the people had provided, the priest found the ” Book of the Law of God”. This is a clear indication that by Josiah doing what needed to be done, God blessed him in return with something that changed the trajectory of his reign.
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> When the Words of the book were read to the king, he tore his robe to show a sign of grief. Instead of Josiah wallowing in his grief, he sent the priest to inquire of the Lord to see what could be done about their present state. Gods’ response to Josiah was that because of his heart posture and the fact that he humbled himself, that the disaster that is written in the book will not happen until Josiah dies and will peacefully be with his ancestors. Even though the people of Israel were to blame for their disregard and disobedience to God, they were spared. After the message from God was given back to the king, he stood before the people to reestablish a covenant with God and the people, destroying everything concerning the sin and offence that God endured.
Related Scriptures
By Raufu Spagnoletta
Related Scriptures: 2 Kings 22:1-7, 11-13: 23:4-20; Numbers 9:1-5; 1 Kings 13:1-10
In 2 Kings 22:1-7, we are introduced to King Josiah, who was eight years old when he began to reign. “And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left.” In the eighteenth year, when he was twenty-six years old, King Josiah began repairing the House of the LORD and the Book of the Law was discovered. ( Vss. 11-13). Josiah tore his clothes upon hearing the words of the Book of the Law and sought the will and direction of the LORD.
2 Kings 23:4-20, highlights Josiah’s religious reform to eliminate idolatry and pagan worship in the country. Numbers 9:1-5 is reference to the Passover in the wilderness. 1 Kings 13:1-10 is a prophecy by an unnamed prophet, about King Josiah, three hundred years before he was born. “Behold, a child shall be born unto the House of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee” (vs. 2). This prophecy was fulfilled in every detail when Josiah killed the pagan priests at their own altars during his religious reform.
Practical Points
By Janice Hall
a) If we have neglected our walk with God, a public commitment of renewed fidelity is a good way to get back on the track.
b) Even if we have neglected our obligations for a long time, it is worthwhile to begin observing them again.
We can look to develop and strengthen our walk with God, by enhancing our intimacy with Christ. We endeavor to take time to read and study the word of God, on a daily basis. Our devotional time must include prayer to communicate with God. We want to develop a life of meditation, to heed the nearness of His voice and to be still in His presence. We want to take account of our lifestyle, in what we read, watch, participate, and allow in our mind and heart to know if helps to build up the Kingdom.
Lord, I want to know You in your fullness and glory. My walk of faith has become lukewarm, and not giving You total control of my life, caused me to wander from your indwelling Spirit and guidance. Thank you for renewing me with Your peace and love that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for restoration of hope, strength, and faith, that I will be able to dwell in Your presence and love. I dedicate and commit my life anew to You as my Lord and Savior, in Jesus name..!! Amen.
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