How does 2 Kings 22:13 inspire us to prioritize God's word in decision-making? Setting the Scene 2 Kings 22 recounts the moment when King Josiah’s officials discover the lost “Book of the Law” during temple repairs. Verse 13 captures Josiah’s immediate reaction: “Go and 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 burns against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book by doing everything written about us.” Key Observations in 2 Kings 22:13 • Immediate urgency – Josiah does not schedule a committee; he sends messengers “at once.” • Community concern – He includes “me, the people, and all Judah,” showing Scripture’s authority over every level of life. • Reverent fear – Awareness of God’s wrath underscores that neglecting His word has real consequences. • Confession of past failure – Josiah admits, “our fathers have not obeyed,” illustrating humility and the willingness to course-correct. • Action-oriented faith – His goal is not mere information but transformation: “by doing everything written.” Lessons for Our Decision-Making Today • Seek God first, not last. When challenges arise, run to the Word before relying on human expertise. • Let Scripture define the problem. Josiah interpreted national trouble through the lens of God’s law; we evaluate decisions by what God says, not cultural trends. • Own corporate responsibility. Choices influence family, church, and society; treating the Bible as our shared authority protects everyone. • Respond with obedience, not mere emotion. Conviction should translate into specific steps of compliance with Scripture. • Maintain a healthy fear of ignoring God. Reverence guards us from treating His commands as optional suggestions. Practical Steps to Prioritize the Word • Schedule non-negotiable daily reading before making key plans. • Write down relevant verses next to pending decisions; weigh options in light of those passages. • Invite mature believers to “inquire of the LORD” with you by studying the same texts and offering counsel. • Review past missteps honestly, confessing where decisions contradicted Scripture, then adjust course. • Celebrate obedience outcomes—record answers to prayer and blessings that follow aligning with God’s Word. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” King Josiah’s rapid, Scripture-driven response in 2 Kings 22:13 models how believers today can—and must—let God’s Word steer every decision. |
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