June 24, 2012 - King Josiah--"Knowing the True Value of God's Word"

This Sunday we studied the Bible Adventures lesson about King Josiah, who served the God of Israel and restored true worship of God in his kingdom.

We began by looking at two actual purchases that were made earlier this year; one was Justin Bieber's purchase of two luxury homes, for a total cost of $14 million.  The other was the purchase of the St. Cuthbert Gospel , a handwritten copy of the Gospel of John dating back to about 690 A.D., also for a total cost of about $14 million.   The question asked was: "What IS the value of something?"    Students were told about the website www.biblegateway.com and about the free cell phone app Holy Bible available at www.youversion.com.   They can have access to the Bible for free, over the internet or using a smartphone.

King Josiah realized that access to the Bible, the written Word of God, was actually priceless.

God has provided laws, wisdom, and guidelines on how we should live in the Holy Bible. But our culture opposes these laws and guidelines -- and sees God's truth as foolishness.    When Josiah became king, his culture had the same kind of viewpoint about God - they were in complete disobedience, even using God's Temple in Jerusalem for idol worship.   But Josiah sought after the God of King David, his forefather.   As he grew, he learned more, and took more steps to cleanse his kingdom of idolatry.   When the Book of the Law was found and read to the king, Josiah realized how great the sins of his nation were, and he repented.  He had the Book of the Law read publicly, before all the people, and he re-instituted the celebration of the Feasts of the Lord, starting with Passover.  

King Josiah was "locked-in and focused" on serving God faithfully.   2 Chronicles 34:2 says:
 ² He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left.


King Josiah helped the people to realize the importance of God's Word, and to agree that they needed to follow it.     This was our Lesson Focus:  Pay attention to God's Word.  Do what it says.


The Memory Verse for this week is:  Luke 11: 28.  
HOMEWORK was assigned, due next week;  the assignment is to complete Page 1 from this week's Bible Adventures study paper (fill-in the blanks, following the directions given there)..