By Donald Willis
Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign as king over Judah. Josiah was blessed by having a good mother and capable advisers. Josiah attempted to bring Judah back to God, whom they had forsaken. He first destroyed the evil worship, and set up divine worship, restoring the religious days that God had ordained.
Josiah did not establish a new religion, he simply found the rejected religion of God and restored God’s people to faithful keeping of the commandments. This type of restoration is yet needed in the late twentieth century.
Josiah’s high priest said, “I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. . . ” (2 Kings 22:8). Who would have thought that God’s law book could be lost in the Lord’s house? People elevate human laws, creed book, personal opinions, denominational rulers. . . and it has become difficult for one to find the Law of the Lord. Yet, it must be found, for it reveals the righteousness of God (Rom. 1:16-17); and it is the revelation of God whereby the child of God is completely furnished unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Reject the laws of men, and require the keeping of the Bible. Demand the preacher give book, chapter, and verse for every teaching that comes from his mouth.
Many lose the law of God in their own homes. The home should be responsible toward God and His law. The Bible should be cherished by the family. Bible reading is important (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11-12). Our young people need to see the parents reading the Bible. Devotion around the table or in the living room can enrich the child’s life. But, the Bible is hidden beneath the TV, or under a stack of magazines, or newspapers. Restore the Bible to the home!
Many lose the Bible in their own personal character. The Bible is the best book of books! Agreed! Yet, the benefit of the Bible is not in possessing a Bible; but in the reading of it, making application thereof in one’s heart. Until the Bible has changed our character, it has been of little benefit to us. When one reads the Bible, either the life will be changed, or one will quit reading the Bible! How does it affect you?
Yes, the Bible was lost! And, today the Bible is lost! No, we have our personal copies of the Bible. Yet, when a people cease to follow the Bible in the churches, appreciate the Bible in their homes, and apply the Bible to their lives, in reality the Bible has been lost. The only way that I can change this is with me. You can change with you by respecting the Bible and teaching it to your family and neighbors. Really, that’s what Christianity is all about anyway!
Guardian of Truth XXX: 8, p. 239
April 17, 1986