Just a Book?

Journal Entry // September 25, 2022

Then Shaphan the secretary told the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. (ESV)

2 Kings 22:10

This passage of Scripture has captured my thoughts today as I have been contemplating the reality that the people of God had lost their way to such a degree that not only did they not read the Book of the Law and have it as the central focus of their worship, but it had been in disuse for so long that it was not even recognizable. The priest in this story recognized that this was the Book of the Law when he discovered it, but the secretary who brought it before the king only offered it up as a book. As if this Book of the Law was just another book in the library of the temple and of no significance. My thoughts today have been focused on the potential for this becoming a reality in my life. Will I become so wrapped up in my day-to-day life that the things of God become just an add-on to living? Will the Book of the Law merely be just another book that may or may not have importance to my life? These are important questions that I need to ponder and reflect on daily.

There may not be a worry that I will completely forgo the reading of God’s Word in my life. There may not be a decrease in the amount of significance that I place on the Word of God for daily life. What is of concern is that I begin to lean away from the truth that the Lord is using the Word to change me. I am concerned that the Bible may become just another book in practicality. I would never really state that or believe that in my heart, but I worry that my actions may say otherwise. When I am vexed and facing adversity, do I turn to the Word of God for comfort and encouragement or do I just pull myself up by my own boot straps and figure out a solution to the problem? Am I going to see the Bible as a guide that has some good stuff in it, but in reality I trust my own knowledge and wisdom.

This cannot be. This can never be the truth in my life. I must always be about the business of saturating my heart and mind in the truth of the gospel. Daily reading must be followed by daily meditation and reflection which must incorporate prayer and humility. It takes all three to engage with Christ. Bottom line is that it takes time. It takes time and perseverance. It takes time, perseverance, and humility. If I am to engage with Christ and seek to be a disciple, then I must intentionally and consistently read, meditate, and pray with the Holy Word of God. The Bible is the pathway to engaging with Christ. The light of change in my darkened heart.

Lord… Give me an ever increasing desire and love for your word. May I never take the reading of your word for granted. May I engage with you through your word on a daily basis and may the Bible become a lifeline of encouragement that brings me into deep intimate fellowship with you.