Bible Pathways - May 9, 2008
May 9
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The royal lineage continues as we read about three kings. What were their names? The third, Hezekiah's great-grandson, was noted as one of the most godly of all the kings. Can you tell his name? How old was he when he became king (22:1)? Don't miss his covenant with the Lord (23:3) and his many reformations (compare II Chronicles 34).
Though little is known of Huldah, the prophetess, Thus saith the Lord (II Kings 22:15), she had great influence in Jerusalem. The high priest and the king recognized her prophetic gift and sought spiritual guidance from her. Only two other prophetesses are mentioned in the Old Testament — Miriam (Exodus 15:20) sang spiritual songs and Deborah (Judges 4:4) aroused the enthusiasm of the people to win a war. But neither appears to prophesy like Huldah. God is no respecter of persons or sex in the distribution of His precious gifts. Unlike religions which disregard the equality of women, the Bible reveals a respect and regard for them as evidenced by Huldah, the prophetess during the days when the Word of God was discovered in the Temple, as well as the four daughters of Philip, the evangelist in the New Testament who also prophecied (Acts 21:8-9). Earlier God had said: Your daughters shall prophesy (2:17; Joel 2:28).
When Josiah heard the Lord's words of impending judgment spoken by Hulda, he rent his clothes and could not rest until God's house had been restored (II Kings 22:3-6). The command was the king's, the oversight was the high priest's, the execution was the workmen's. When the laborers are faithful in doing their work, the high priest in directing it, and the king in commanding it, God's House cannot fail to reveal further revelation of God's will through His Word (22:11-13).
Unnoticed during the years of apostasy, the discovery of the Word of God was a confirmation of the indestructibility of the only inspired written revelation of God. In this instance, Huldah acknowledged the authority of the Book which was discovered in the House of the Lord and announced that punishment would be imposed because the people in Judah had abandoned Jehovah and turned to other gods.
Some Christians do not search for opportunities to serve the Lord; in fact, if opportunity comes to them without having been sought, they look on this as an interruption instead of an opportunity.
He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12).
Thought for Today:
Like the church of Laodicea, many churches are comfortable with their programs but are destitute of the Word of God.
Christ Portrayed:
By the prophets (II Kings 21:10). God, who . . . spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Word Studies:
21:3 the host of heaven =b> the whole array of heavenly bodies -- the gods of the Assyrians; 21:6 observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits =b> practiced witchcraft, fortune-telling, devil worship, black magic; 21:12 ears shall tingle =b> will be astonished with horror; 23:17 title =b> monument, grave marker.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by A Family's Love for Jesus; Arabic International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Aubrey Levings • Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Ask to be guided by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16).
Optional Reading: Romans 12
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:7
