Medicine can make a life or death difference to a dying patient. God’s word can make a big difference in the life of a person, society and country. King Josiah’s life is a good example to this.

Josiah became the king of Judah at the age of 8 years and ruled in Jerusalem for 31 years.(Born around 648 BC)
He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the ways of his father David. 2 Kings.22:2. He arranged repair work of the temple of the Lord. Hilkiah, the high priest found the “book of the law” in the temple of the Lord.(22:8)…. When the king heard the words of the Book of the law, he tore his robes.(22:11) This hearing helped him to understand that “our fathers have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us”.(22:13).

Josiah is taking proper actions to rectify the problems. He called together all the people from “the least to the greatest” (2 Kings 23:1,2). King read the book for them and “renewed the covenant in the presence of the Lord to follow the Lord and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul…Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant”(23:3)

A big reformation is taking place. (2 Kings 23)

King ordered to remove from the temple of the Lord all the articles made for Baal and Asherah and all the starry hosts and burned them.(23:4,5)

• He removed the pagan priests*.(23:5).
• Took Asherah pole from the temple and burned it.( 23:6)
  Destroyed the quarters of the male prostitutes from the temple.(23:7).
  Desecrated all the high places and broke down the shrines at the gate. (23:8,9)
  Desecrated Topheth to stop child sacrifice.(23:10)
  Burned the chariots dedicated to sun god.(23:11).
  Destroyed various altars and burned whatever he could.(23:12-16)

Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the detestable things.(23:24)

Josiah slaughtered all the priests of those high places.(23:30)
Then he gave order to all the people “Celebrate the Passover”to the LORD..(23:31)
What a revolutionary transformation or spiritual renewal brought by the book of the law.

Hilkiah, the high priest found the book of the law in the temple of the Lord. He read it and gave that to Shaphan the secretary, who read it and read it for the King. King Josiah understood it and read it for the people.

What is the present spiritual condition of our dear ones, our Churches and the society?
What can happen if God’s word is given its proper place?
What more can we do to transform individuals, churches and society?

A house is on fire…..People are dying….(water and medicine is with us) What are we doing?

Rev.C.V.Abraham.