THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Kings 21-22
“When he heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” (2 Kings 22:11)
What happens when we hear the message of the bible… or what should happen?
As the Spirit spoke through scripture, Josiah’s heart responded (2 Kings 22:19).
He was convicted, moved to repentance, and he went to the Lord in humility.
The Spirit still speaks through scripture, but is my heart responsive?
The whole point of my daily discipline of reading the bible is to respond to the Spirit.
I am not earning brownie points with God for reading the bible everyday.
I am not seeking to increase my bible knowledge, nor to get sermon material.
Every time I read the bible, the Spirit is speaking… but am I responsive?
Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5)
“For the word of God is alive and active… it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
The point of conviction is not shame, but healing and hope… if I am responsive!
As a Jesus follower, do I have ears to hear what Jesus is saying to me?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, sometimes my bible reading becomes a duty or a chore. When this happens, I am missing out on Your gracious intervention and healing. Help me to be responsive like Josiah!
‘He did evil in the eyes of the Lord.’
And I?
How do I live in the eyes of the Lord?
I need to listen to His Word.
I need to live for Jesus, serving Him and not self serving. All for Jesus. Today as every day, I need to live as Today God Is First.
I can only do what is right in His eyes if I am SpiritLed -the Spirit of the Lord dwelling within me so that I am clothed with His armour living the fruit of the Spirit.
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art;
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh,
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Hast Thou not bid me love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross; there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find!
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heaven descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.