How can we ensure God's Word remains central in our church and life? Setting the Scene: Rediscovering the Book “As they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the LORD, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the LORD written by Moses.” (2 Chronicles 34:14) Josiah’s generation had lost track of Scripture, yet everything changed the moment the Book was found. The same rediscovery can refresh any church or life that drifts from the Word. Principle 1: Honor God’s Word by Seeking It • Hilkiah “found” the Book because he was already serving in the temple. • When we prioritize regular time in Scripture, we place ourselves where discovery happens. • Cross verse: Jeremiah 29:13 — “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Principle 2: Read It Publicly and Privately • Josiah had the Book read aloud to all the people (2 Chronicles 34:30). • Personal reading: Joshua 1:8 — “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to recite it day and night.” • Public reading: 1 Timothy 4:13 — “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture.” Principle 3: Respond with Repentant Hearts • Josiah tore his clothes in sorrow (2 Chronicles 34:19). • True centrality of Scripture shows up in obedience, not merely knowledge. • Psalm 51:17; James 1:22–25: be doers, not hearers only. Principle 4: Teach the Next Generation • Josiah gathered “all the people from the least to the greatest” (34:30). • Deuteronomy 6:6-9 tells parents to speak of Scripture “when you sit … walk … lie down … rise up.” • Churches ensure continuity by embedding Scripture in children’s and youth ministries. Principle 5: Integrate Scripture into Decision-Making • Josiah inquired of the LORD on the basis of the newly found Word (34:21). • Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Invite Scripture to shape budgets, ministries, and personal life choices. Principle 6: Guard the Purity of Worship • After hearing the Word, Josiah removed idolatry (34:33). • John 4:24 — worship “in spirit and truth.” • Scripture exposes counterfeit worship and preserves Christ-centered gatherings. Principle 7: Celebrate the Power of the Word • The Passover was reinstituted “as it is written” (35:1-18). • Nehemiah 8:10 — “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” • When Scripture is central, joy overflows into vibrant, biblical celebrations. Practical Takeaways • Schedule daily Bible reading and weekly family/devotional times. • In services, give Scripture the longest microphone: extended reading, expository preaching, Scripture-saturated songs. • Memorize verses together (Psalm 119:11). • Encourage Berean-like study habits (Acts 17:11). • Evaluate every ministry by 2 Timothy 3:16-17: does it teach, reprove, correct, and train in righteousness? • Post verses where eyes land often—dashboards, screensavers, church hallways—to keep the Book ever in sight. |
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