When a Book Triggered a Revolution

Daily Devotional – Saturday, February 17, 2024
Go, inquire of the LORD for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found….
2 Kings 22:13 (NKJV)

The Arab Spring revolution was triggered by a youth who burned himself after prolonged joblessness. In the Bible, a different kind of revolution was once activated by a book. This was after Hilkiah, the high priest, came across the Book of the Law (the first five books of the Bible) while renovating the Jerusalem temple.

The Book of the Law

When the contents of the scroll were read to King Josiah, he tore his clothes and commanded his servant, “Go, 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 is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” (2 Kings 22:13).

From that moment on, a revolution began in Judah. Josiah, determined to eradicate idolatry, went on the offensive against idolaters, their priests, and their shrines. He also led his subjects to repentance and recommitment to the Lord.

When a Book Triggered a Revolution

Today, while people may not kneel down before physical idols, they worship money, positions, politicians, religious leaders, and wealth, among other entities. We urgently need revival and reformation if we are to escape the wrath of the Lord.

Incidentally, a revolution that will wage war against idolatry can only occur if we study diligently, meditate on, and practice the word of God. There is power in the word of God to trigger true godliness in and among Christians, even as we look forward to the second coming of Jesus. Are you a reader and a doer of the word of God?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, trigger a revolution of godliness in me and in my society by creating a desire to live by and obey your word.