Living by the Book

"Then Jehoiada brought out Joash, the king's son, and placed the crown on his head. He presented Joash with a copy of God's laws and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and all the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!" 2 Kings 11:12 NLT

There were two essential pieces of "equipment" given to Joash to help him serve as king. The first was the crown symbolizing his authority. The second was a Bible ("copy of God's laws") to guide him in his personal life and leadership. Every king of Judah received these two things but most of them abused the crown and ignored the book. However, with the help of Jehoiada, the godly priest, Joash followed God's laws and was one of the few really good kings in Judah's history.

Since we are not kings we don't need a crown but we too have been given the Bible to guide us in our life and service. There is no greater treasure than the Bible. If we pay careful attention to God's Words and practice them in our daily life we too will be faithful and successful in God's sight. Don't take your Bible for granted. Open it, read it, and live according to the words of life contained in it.

Father, help me to treasure Your Word and to follow it as Joash did so that I too may live a life that honors You and blesses the people in whose lives you have given me influence.

I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark