Songs In The Night

“I have found the Book of the Law in the House of the Lord.” – 2 Kings 22:8

Jesus “lost” in the House of the Lord

Not much is known about Jesus’ childhood.  Luke chapter two records the account of Joseph and Mary taking Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover when He was twelve years of age.  After the feast, Jesus was left behind inadvertently.  It took a day for Joseph and Mary to realize Jesus was not in their company and they headed back to Jerusalem.  After three days (that magical number) of searching, Jesus was found in the Temple.  When questioned by his distressed parents Jesus told them He wasn’t lost.  Rather He was right where He belonged, in His Father’s house.  Not the first time the Word of God was “lost” right where it was supposed to be.

The Book of the Law lost in the House of the Lord

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign in Jerusalem.  He would reign for thirty-one years.  In the eighteenth year of his reign, the Book of the Law was found in the House of the Lord during a building project.  The book made its way to King Josiah.  When King Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law he tore his clothes.  He was convicted by Truth and feared the wrath of God.  His fear was that the wrath of God would be kindled against His people because they did not obey His word. Apparently, they were ignorant of God’s word because they had “lost” it.  In the House of the Lord?!  God’s verdict, “Behold, I will bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. Because they have forsaken me and have made offerings to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched.” (2 Kings 22:16-17). I appreciate Josiah’s desire to repair the Temple, but it makes me wonder what God thinks of building projects while His Word is neglected?  What good are busy hands with idol minds?

God’s Word or Idolatry?

When the Word of God is lost in the House of the Lord, idolatry runs rampant.  How quickly the golden calves come out of the fire when the Word is “silent”.  When the Word is lost, so are the people.  If the “House of the Lord” is not the home of the Word of the Lord what is it?  How many churches in our day have lost the Word?  What type of idolatry is taking place in many of the churches where Christ it supposed to be preached?  Charles Spurgeon was probably one of the greatest preachers and evangelists ever to live.  When asked what his “secret” to preaching was his reply was simple, “I take my  text and make a beeline to the Cross.”  Jesus belongs in every church.  He belongs in every pulpit.  Charles Spurgeon wanted Christ exalted every time he preached.  No tickling ears.  No compromising Truth.  No apologies.  No way!  The Word was not going to be lost on his watch.  I wish every so-called Christian church could say the same, but sadly that is not true.  We could probably go into many churches on any given Sunday and search for Jesus and never find him.  Reason to be distressed for sure.

What’s in your House?

When Joseph and Mary finally found Jesus in the Temple, “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.”  What a picture.  The young Jesus in the Temple sitting, listening and learning.  The greatest Teacher ever, as a child, modeling for His children what they should be doing.  I am thankful for my local church and the faithfulness of the leadership to the Word of God.  Jesus is proclaimed as the Way, the Truth and the Life; without shame.   The Word of God is opened every Sunday and expounded.  Please don’t think I am boasting.  I’m just expressing my gratitude.  Paul admonished Timothy to guard the Treasure that was entrusted to him.  Every Christian church is responsible for doing the same.  The Word should never be lost in the “House of the Lord”.  No Christian should ever take the Word for granted.  Hopefully, it is not lost in your church or your home!

“I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.” – Psalm 119:16