Todays readings… 2 Kings 22&23, Ezekiel 12, Luke 8
What a challenging – and inspiring – set of readings we have today! In 2nd Kings 22 & 23 we see how Josiah, the last good and righteous king to reign in Jerusalem was inspired by the words that Moses had written when they were discovered in the Temple as it was being restored and cleansed at his command. As a result he instituted great reforms and the removal and destruction of everything that was ungodly. “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” [ch.23 v.25]
We can see how he was truly a type of the Messiah and ponder in awe, as we contemplate the future of our world, the laws that will be put in place when our Saviour, God’s Son, becomes king and the law goes forth from Jerusalem into all the world. Not for a few years either – but for a 1,00! See Rev. 20 v.4.
Recall the words in Isaiah 2, “For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations …” Our imagination is overwhelmed as we try to visualise the reality of this – and the responsibilities the redeemed will have!.
In Ezekiel ch. 12 we read how the people were “saying, ‘The days grow long, and every vision comes to nothing’?” [v.22] These are visions on the judgements coming on Jerusalem! Ezekiel is to “tell them therefore, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD …. The days are near, and the fulfilment of every vision.” [v.23] There is some comparison here with our own anticipations in interpreting prophecy over the last 150 years. The chapter ends, “None of my words will be delayed any longer, but the word that I speak will be performed, declares the Lord GOD.”
In our chapter 8 in Luke we read some familiar parables, but we must not let their very familiarity to us dull their impact on our consciences. The seed of God’s word is sown into all kinds of soil – let us keep tilling our minds so we always provide “good soil … For (we – they) are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” [v.15]
