“Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” 2 Kings 22:1-2 NKJV
“Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 So Shaphan the scribe went to the king, bringing the king word, saying, “Your servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of those who do the work, who oversee the house of the Lord.” 10 Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.11 Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. 12 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying, 13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” 2 Kings 22:8-13 NKJV
Father God,
An eight year old! I wonder if it was his mothers guidance that guided or good men surrounding him letting him grow into his kingly shoes? He wanted to make sure the money given by people to the Temple was being used and in the right way. And while they were cleaning the Temple thy found the book of the Law. It may have been Deuteronomy or it may have been the first 5 books of the Bible.
It had a profound effect on the King, the priest, the scribe, the servant and all who were there at the time. And they began to put into practice what they read You God had called for. For they wanted to appease You and do what You had asked.
When we read Your Word sometimes it strikes us right to the centre of our being as if it was just for us alone. To bless, to call, to reassure, to lead, to bring to our knees. Sometimes it just washes over us and we have favourite passages that comfort us. Help us to keep seeking You through Your word, as a child (Matthew 18:3), open and responsive.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 26th June 2026
Before the earth knew its foundation
You spoke the dust into creation
Until the end when all is withered
Then still Your Word endures forever
The lamp unto my feet
The light unto my path
Oh, Your Word will not be shaken
Your Word will never fail me
Like a fire in my bones
Like a whisper to my soul
Your Word is revelation
Deep calls to deep within Your presence
When I hear You speak my soul awakens
Your Spirit leads my heart to worship
As Your Word reveals the light of Jesus
The lamp unto my feet
The light unto my path
Oh, Your Word will not be shaken
Your Word will never fail me
Like a fire in my bones
Like a whisper to my soul
Your Word is revelation
Interlude . . .
Your Word will not be shaken
Your Word will never fail me
Like a fire in my bones
Like a whisper to my soul
Your Word is revelation
Repeat
Lyrics:Christopher Michael Davenport