Scripture: 2 Kings 22:11-13
Observation: King Josiah discovers the book of the law (deuteronomy) in the temple while attempting to rebuild the covenant between God and God's people. The previous corruption of this covenant is something Josiah wanted to avoid as King. Discovering that the people of God have put their trust and faith in things and gods other than YHWH is an important shift in the life of God's people...and their king.
Application: Even though king Josiah (1 of 3 kings out of 40 who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord) renewed the covenant, the people will still fall short in this covenant agreement. The start of Advent is a perfect time to realize that God will send us a savior whose sacrifice will give us a new covenant through his blood shed for you and for all people. In this way we announce a renewal of the covenant through the anticipation of Jesus coming as the Christ child, born in a manger. "We have not been doing everything it says we must do."
Getting our act together is more about preparing our hearts to receive Christ than to put on our most holy of holiness act. A season of preparation in the middle of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday.....sounds like preparations are already taking place. Josiah preached a word, lifestyle, a regime change that focused on abiding with God. That is the thing we must do!
Prayer: (first stanza to Abide in me)
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Observation: King Josiah discovers the book of the law (deuteronomy) in the temple while attempting to rebuild the covenant between God and God's people. The previous corruption of this covenant is something Josiah wanted to avoid as King. Discovering that the people of God have put their trust and faith in things and gods other than YHWH is an important shift in the life of God's people...and their king.
Application: Even though king Josiah (1 of 3 kings out of 40 who did what was right in the eyes of the Lord) renewed the covenant, the people will still fall short in this covenant agreement. The start of Advent is a perfect time to realize that God will send us a savior whose sacrifice will give us a new covenant through his blood shed for you and for all people. In this way we announce a renewal of the covenant through the anticipation of Jesus coming as the Christ child, born in a manger. "We have not been doing everything it says we must do."
Getting our act together is more about preparing our hearts to receive Christ than to put on our most holy of holiness act. A season of preparation in the middle of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday.....sounds like preparations are already taking place. Josiah preached a word, lifestyle, a regime change that focused on abiding with God. That is the thing we must do!
Prayer: (first stanza to Abide in me)
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
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