Do You Trust The Scriptures?

In 2 Kings, chapter 22, we read about one of the good kings of the southern kingdom. Josiah was only 8 years old when he became king of Judah. This was roughly in about 632 BC. The Bible tells us that Josiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. An interesting thing though. Apparently some or perhaps all of the law was lost to them. This is referring to the first five books of the Old Testament, also called the Pentateuch. Basically, their Bible at that time.

Now, Josiah’s father and grandfather were kings before him. The word tells us that they were wicked kings and did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. His grandfather was Manasseh and was one of the most rotten kings we have record of. I may be reading into the story a bit, but it seems likely that he would not have allowed the reading of the scriptures while he reigned. During his tenure, which lasted 55 years, the temple fell in to disrepair.

So when Josiah came to the throne, he wanted to rebuild or refurbish the temple and dedicated the funds to do that. While the workmen tried to undo five decades of neglect, they found the book of the law. Probably a scroll or collection of scrolls. When Josiah was made aware of this, he arranged to have it read to him. After hearing the word of the Lord, he tore his clothes.

Most of you, if not all, know what it means to tear ones own clothes. It was an expression of grief and mourning. Did you notice that this was not an emotional response to powerful music, excitement or charismatic preaching. It was simply a response to the word of God! Hebrews 4:12 tells us the word of God is sharper than a two-edged sword and that it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Josiah obviously felt the blade of that sword and reacted. Why then, could Manasseh throw it in the dustbin, so to speak, and ignore it without remorse? Why can some folks hear the word preached and yet remain unaffected in any way? In a word, faith or lack of it. Do you believe the Bible is the very words of the living God, or do you think it is a collection of old myths that has no relevance today? Think of a fella floating down a lazy river in an inner-tube. Suppose someone yells to him from the shore saying there is a 400 ft. waterfall about 50 yards ahead of him. If he believes the report, he will start swimming as hard as he can for the shore, won’t he?

When you read the Bible, do you believe it with the kind of faith that makes you start swimming? Or do you think … I’ve got time.