What in the WORD...

Today I was reading 2 Kings chapter 22. I am currently working my way through the book of 2 Kings and I am always amazed at how God can speak to my heart even as I trip over names that I feel stupid even attempting to say out loud. Well today was one of those days. As I was navigating through this passage and through the names, I was just floored by verses 11-13. You see 2 Kings 22 talks about the Book of the Law, the Torah, God's Holy Word being found. And when they were found they were brought to the king and the king instructed that his secretary, Shaphan, (see what I mean about the names)read it to him. Here's what verse 11 states...
"When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore His robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest...God and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord's anger that burns against us because of those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us."

The king hears the Word of God and there is an immediate and dramatic response. Now I am not saying that every time we read the Word there should be a strip fest...if that were the case Christians would not be welcome at Starbucks anymore. But, shouldn't there be a response, shouldn't there be movement, shouldn't there be a desire for a reckless abandonment to do whatever we needed to do to obey God's commands and honor Him with all we have. I know I fall guilty so many times in reading the Word as though it was another thing on my to do list, or I read it as though I was reading a history book or an anthology, or even worse I read it because I need to "craft" a sermon. When I approach God's Word from any of these views or mindsets I fail to understand that I am a beggar in need of something much more than what can satisfy my stomach. When I approach God's Word without understanding that it is God's spoken, holy, infallible, powerful word to me I run the risk of just engaging in a spiritual activity rather than engaging the King or Glory. When I do not come to God's Word with an expectant and humble heart I run the risk of NOT having my mind enlightened and my view enlarged to the grandness and power of who God is. When I do not approach God's Word the way I should than I run the high risk of it just being a rote mundane thing I know I should do,. When what I really need to do is celebrate that because of what Christ has done and because of my faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit now dwells and resides in my me and is ready to illuminate my eyes and minds to see and understand what my once darkened mind and hardened heart could never comprehend apart from Christ.

So maybe it's not ripping or tearing your clothes or hair, but encountering an infinite, Holy God through the power of His Word should cause us to tremble and should leads us to a right response. I was reminded yesterday of the scene from the Chronicles of Narnia when they were about to meet King Aslan and one of the kids asked "is He safe?" and the response came quickly "He's not safe, but He's good!" I pray that my heart would not grow dull or my ears grow tired of expecting God to speak through His Word and I pray that I would seek to respond accordingly to what He reveals.

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4

Happy reading to you and if you do feel led to strip, make sure you're at home and if you're not please don't tell them you go to Summit...just kidding. God Bless You!