Tremble, O earth at the presence of the Lord! He turns the rock into a pool of water! I like what the ESV Study Bible says of the words of our first reading, “This hymn of praise celebrates the special status of God’s people in His plan: the Lord is the one whom all nature obeys, and even trembles before, and yet he has chosen little Israel to be His own, and He exerts His power on their behalf.”
The second reading describes how the eight-year old king Josiah, assisted by Shaphan his secretary and Hilkiah the high priest, picks up again, where Jehoash (2 Kings 12:7-8) had left off, making repairs to the temple. Even more significant was the action he took after finding the Book of the Law during the course of repairs. The reading of the Book lead him to understand the apostate condition of worship in Judah. This caused him great grief and despair but he begins to take steps to correct the situation. I have known people in whose lives God’s book has been lost for years, but when they found it they obeyed. I have known others who have continued to live in rebellion to God, using departed loved ones as an excuse. Perhaps you have heard people say, “If I obey the gospel, I will be implying that my dear departed mother is in hell.” Lord, may we always be willing to take the steps necessary to humble ourselves before You!
Today’s Readings: Psalm 114; 2 Kings 22; Isaiah 13-14; John 15:1-17
Isaiah, ever the steady voice of reason and the mouth-piece of God, delivers his first series of “oracles” against the nations of Babylon, Assyria, and Philistia. In so doing he reveals God as the ruler of the world and the writer of history. He governs the course of all nations, holding them accountable for their deeds. Reflecting upon the words of Isaiah, I am reminded that He that is in me is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Finally today, Jesus’s words give me further hope and confidence as I face the uncertainties of life. I am persuaded that, if I abide in Him, He will abide in me. “I know not why Christ in love redeemed me for His own … I know not what of good or ill may be reserved for me …. I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noon-day fair… But ‘I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.'” (“I Know Whom I Have Believed,” Daniel W. Whittle, 1883, based upon 2 Timothy 1:12).
Have a blessed day, dear friend!
–Randy Sexton