Saturday, October 25 Shaphan began to read from it before the king.​—2 Chron. 34:18.

[Áine]

Saturday, October 25

Shaphan began to read from it before the king.—2 Chron. 34:18.

 

As an adult, King Josiah began to have the temple renovated. During that work, “the book of Jehovah’s Law given through Moses” was found. On hearing it read, the king was moved to take action by complying with what it said. (2 Chron. 34:14, 19-21) Would you like to read the Bible regularly? If you are trying, how is it going? Do you keep track of verses that may help you personally? When Josiah was about 39 years old, he made a mistake that cost him his life. He trusted in himself instead of asking Jehovah for guidance. (2 Chron. 35:20-25) There is a lesson here. No matter how old we are or how long we have been studying the Bible, we must keep searching for Jehovah. That involves regularly praying for his guidance, studying his Word, and benefiting from the advice of mature Christians. We will then be less likely to make big mistakes and more likely to be happy.—Jas. 1:25. w23.09 12 ¶15-16

[dljbsp]

Josiah’s heart lit up when God’s Word was read — he didn’t just listen; he changed. That’s what happens when Scripture moves from page to conscience. But later, he stopped asking Jehovah before acting, and that silence cost him his life. The lesson is clear: never outgrow dependence on God. Keep reading, keep praying, keep seeking His direction — because the moment we stop asking, we start drifting.

[DancesWithWife]

What was interesting, too is that King Josiah was the last king mentioned who wrote his own personal copy of the Law. I thought of what a good reader Shaphan must have been. What was being read moved the King. But sadly, as David @dljbsp stated he did not continue to read, listen or follow the Law as Jehovah had instructed.

 

Some in the congregation are disappointed when they are assigned "Just a Bible reading". This would be a great scripture to show them the value of reading God's Word before others, as it has power! I wonder what those who are assigned to read the Bible reading were also required to write it out first!