2 Chronicles 34:21
“Go, inquire of the LORD for me and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book which has been found; for the wrath of the LORD which has poured out on us is great, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to act in accordance with everything that is written in this book.”
This is the proper response to hearing God’s Word. The attendants were busy refurbishing the temple. While there they discovered the Book of the Law. It appears to have been misplaced for decades. His father and his grandfather were ungodly kings. Almost as if they didn’t know there was a Law. Upon finding it the priest read it in the presence of the king. He was shocked and tore his clothes. Other responses to God at different times were, “Woe is me, for I am undone”. I believe this was Isaiah.
This response is a god fearing one. They recognize that God is all powerful and has standards. He also gives consequences to those that ignore Him. The king is shocked that they have been living in an ungodly way and he is concerned about God’s judgment.
We should also be god fearing. We should be concerned about what He says and we should obey. There would be consequences to our disobedience. I can recall going to a christian concert when 17 years old. The speaker gave an altar call. I went forward. I had no clue what this was about. I just wanted to respond positively to God. He had been preparing my heart with some tough circumstances. After this He had a claim on me. My going forward was giving Him permission in my life. He became a big part of my thoughts and conversation. My friendships were changing. About six months later I started to watch christian television. It was a way to hear His Word. My mom and I were spiritually hungry and we ate it up. My brother, too.
God brought a christian brother into my life and we began to have weekly bible studies. We did this for at least a year. About a year after that we discovered Calvary Chapel. They were a church rich in bible teaching. We went about three times a week.
This was an amazing foundation. I’m married and my wife and I fear God and go to church and seek to walk with Him and share His message with others. We are raising our daughters to fear God.
God wants us to be in His Word constantly to be in contact with Him. He will challenge us with His Words. It isn’t shocking like it was with the king. We know His Word. He can bring something to mind which stops us in our tracks. A challenge to follow. Some are easier lessons than others. The past two or three months I’ve been wrestling with forgiveness. It’s been the most challenging time in the past ten years. He has been walking me through it.
It’s like life is like the swells on the ocean. We are used to the up and down. On occasion we have storms. The drama is increased. Some times storms overlap. Some times there are hurricanes. Just like Peter walking on the water, so Jesus is with us.
We have to be open to His Words. Jesus said, “If any man has ears, let him hear.” We all have them, so we should all be listening. His voice is a still, small one. It’s easy to dismiss. We have to pay attention.
Our job is to share His message with others. He wants to help others with their problems. We share His hope.
Lord, thank You for Your Word. Help us to open Your Words. Help us to share it with others.