The King’s Announcement
“The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord—to follow the Lord and keep his commands, statutes and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.”
Several years ago, I realized my love for Jesus had grown cold. Wondering how to renew that sweet fellowship I’d once experienced, I prayed Jesus, I want to fall in love with You, again. Help me.
What happened? My pastor began to teach on Matthew. The Bible Study Fellowship group I attended studied Matthew, and the ladies group in our church based its lessons on the first gospel.
I wondered if I’d be bored.
Far from it.
As I read the pages of Christs’ life, saw the depth of His love, heard the words from His lips, my love for Him was rekindled.
In 2 Kings, we learn about King Josiah. He began to rule over Judah when he was only eight.
That is scary.
But he had a heart for the Lord. Several years into his kingship, we read of a national gathering where God’s Word was read aloud. At that point, we glimpse a fresh renewal in the king’s heart. Not only that, because the king recommitted his life to the Almighty, the people followed his lead.
What if our nation followed suit? More importantly, what if we as believers recommitted our whole being to the Lord?
It would change the world.
How to begin? Like the king. Reading His Word. Prayer. It’s not that complicated.
states,
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
While visiting a friend in Georgia, a country preacher said something I will never forget.
“Our bodies are just vehicles for the Lord’s work. Some of us are Fords, some are Chevys, and some are Mercedes. But we all have the same job—serve and obey the Lord while we are on this earth, until we get to heaven.”
But all of us need tune-ups.
How’s your vehicle? Would you make a commitment like King Josiah did?
Josiah changed the whole kingdom.
Perhaps we could change the world.
Copyright © 2018 Pauline Hylton, used with permission.
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