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In this chapter, we have a brilliant example of what happens to us when we neglect God’s Word. There are many today who like the idea of Scripture. They may like the book because it’s moral. Some would say it’s historical. Others might like it because it speaks truth. I wonder, how many are willing to give their lives for it?
John 1 tells us the Word became flesh. Jesus was the grace and truth of Scripture in a physical body. The same question could be asked. How many are willing to give their whole lives over to Jesus? I’m not asking if you are accomplishing that with perfect success. I’m asking how many people genuinely want to?
I think most of us like the idea of it. We would never deny the Bible. We would stand up for it if others were criticizing it. We may even read stories from it occasionally. How many times have you heard someone say, “I just don’t have time.” How many times have you honestly intended to read the Word but it just never worked out with your schedule?
Here in 2 Chronicles 34, we get a genuine response from Josiah. He realizes that the nation (and even himself personally) has abandoned God. They have strayed from His commands. This was evident only after what? Yes, that’s right – reading God’s Word. Is it accurate to say that if we are not reading it, we are drifting far away from His heart? Is it correct to suggest that we are living without conviction if this book never leaves our shelf? As soon as Josiah heard the words, he knew. It hit him like a freight train. There were no excuses.
Speaking of excuses – we live in America where you can literally get almost any kind of Bible that you want. If you are a freakishly tall, bald-headed, retired firefighter from south Texas, they probably have a Bible for that. Seriously. Have you checked your local bookstore lately?
Let’s get back to the point. We need God’s Word. We will suffer the subtle and vicious consequences of drifting away from Him each and every day we neglect it. We have no excuses before Him. He is the one who gives us every single minute of every single day. To turn around and tell Him we don’t have time is atrociously disrespectful! Take a moment to think of friends and family who you know are not in their Word? How has their spiritual walk been lately?
The point is loud and clear. Abandoning God’s Word in our daily lives is like a sailor who tosses his compass overboard. It just doesn’t make any sense. So, what have you been reading lately?