Book of Law

 

    The law is the invisible boundary line that is meant to keep society running smoothly and respectably.  It is when people ignore the law or intentionally break the law that society starts to have issues.  Once lawbreaking becomes an accepted thing, society begins to break down.  It is important to know and understand the laws, so that you can see how they are there to protect you and take personal responsibility.

    We don't get to pick and choose which laws we agree with or like.  We are expected to obey all of them.  In the judicial since, if you don't like it then you can put in the work to change the laws.  That is not always a bad thing.  However, when it comes to God, His laws never will change or altar.

    Josiah was eight when he became king.  I think his reign probably began with him learning the laws of the nation and of God.  He had to know them to be able to enforce them.  He reigned 31 years following God's laws and being the best king for the nation since David. 

    When Josiah was 18 he turned his focus on the church.  Hilkiah was the high priest at the time.  When the church was being reconstructed after years of neglect, he and Shaphan the court secretary found the Book of the Law.  It had not been read in a very long time.  When Shaphan read it to the king, Josiah mourned because he saw exactly how far his nation had wondered away from God's laws.  

    Josiah understood that the nation would pay for their sins.  He comprehended the disaster that they had brought upon themselves. Josiah's heart was full of repentance for himself and his people.  God heard his heart humbly cry out and had compassion.  God allowed there to be peace in the nation as long as Josiah was alive.  After Josiah the inevitable disaster would occur.

    How are we expected to understand and obey God's laws and commands if we don't take the time to learn?  How can we expect to have a relationship with God if we do not invest time with Him?  You can't just call yourself a Christian and expect the benefits.  You have to invest your time, energy, and heart.  

2 Kings 22