"The Horror of God's Word" June 8 Readings: 2 Kings 21-23, John 12:1–26, Psalm 71:15–24, Proverbs 14:27-28

Today's Readings -  2 Kings 21-23, John 12:1–26, Psalm 71:15–24, Proverbs 14:27-28

Devotional 

Christians today have bought into the "everything has to be positive and encouraging" message more than we like to admit. When we read the Bible, we ignore the hard truths and simply skip to the verses that make us feel good, that give us promises we want to claim or that fit into our simplified world view. Have you ever seen a "Bible Promises" booklet - one that culls some of the great promises of God's Word? They can be helpful, but by definition, they overlook many of the less palatable truths of Scripture.

The truth is that sometimes, God's word is harsh, it is painful and it can be downright horrifying. It reveals us as we are and shows us the truth that we want to ignore or hide. King Josiah found this out in 2 Kings 22:11-13.

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Josiah was leading Judah back to God and was restoring the Temple that had fallen into such disrepair under the abominable reigns of his father and grandfather. As they worked, one of the priests found the Book of the Law and it was brought to Josiah. As the Law was read, Josiah did not pick out an encouraging promise here or a pithy saying there. He listened as the full weight of God's truth fell on him.

Then, he tore his clothes.

He realized how far his nation was from the standard set in the Law, from the life God had commanded for them. He came face to face with a Holy God and saw just how far short they had all fallen. God's Word was a mirror which showed him exactly how dirty the nation had become.

He listened to the Word and restored the Temple and, at least for a time, God brought revival to the land. If we would seek revival, we must stare deeply into the Word and see ourselves for who we are. We must submit ourselves fully to God's Word and let him restore us to become again what we are supposed to be.

Father, show me who you are and who I am and what you want to make me. May your Word restore me completely and revive me again. 

Think and Pray

Remember that it is not our duty to simply find those parts of Scripture that "bless and encourage" us, but to submit ourselves body, soul, and spirit to the word of God - regardless of it's difficult teachings.