When Revival Comes

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 23

And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant. (2 Kings 23.3)

Devotional Thought: King Josiah led the people of God in a great revival.  What was involved? The symbolism in this story is rich indeed:

·       Josiah stood by the pillar…  This was “The King’s Pillar.”  Here the king made important announcements and proclamations.  We are invited to stand by Jesus, the pillar of our faith!

·       Made a covenant before the Lord…  Just standing there was not enough for Josiah.  He longed to enter into a deeper relationship with God.  Just going to church is not enough for us, either!  We need to enter into covenant relationship with God through the blood of Jesus!

·       To walk after the Lord…  A covenant is not a stagnant thing, a date and event to be remembered.  Rather, it is a journey with God.  Let's walk with Jesus!

·       To keep God’s commandments…  Josiah recognized that God gives the commandments and we obey them.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  Jesus does not give us suggestions.

·       Josiah covenanted to perform was written…  The whims of culture and society were poor guides when it came to following Truth.  Josiah needed something more - the eternal Word of God!  There are many things in our culture that are changing.  But God’s Word never changes!

·       All the people joined in the covenant…  It wasn’t good enough for this king to be personally renewed.  His heart’s desire was that his people should know and follow the God who had saved him.  As John wrote to the church: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  May you know that joy as you lead others to Jesus!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you have stood for me and you stand by me.  Lord, I enter into covenant with you to walk with you all the days of my life, keeping your commandments and sharing your love with others.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 19.1-6

1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,

5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.

6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.