Tearing Down Idols and Building the Future - By Scott Johnson

Hi there! I'm Scott Johnson, one of the elders here at Compass Church.

Today, my Monvee daily reading took me to 2 Chronicles 34. When Josiah, the 8 year old king, was about 16 years old, he began to seek the God of his father David. (v.3)

He started out by destroying asher poles and altars to Baal. Throughout the Old Testament, this is a recurring theme. God moves in the hearts of godly kings to destroy them, the nation turns and prospers, and then like weeds, the alters and poles quickly sprout again in the next generation.

Anyway, Josiah decides to renovate the old, broken down, temple. Money for the capital campaign was stored inside this dilapidated tribute to God. So, one day, when it was payday for the workers, one of the priests, while collecting the cash noticed a dusty old book in the corner. What a discovery: It was the Book of the Law given to Moses. Amazing!

Word was given to King Josiah that the book had been found. He ordered that the book be read in his presence.
When the King heard the words of the Law, he was so convicted by his and his nation’s sin, that he tore his robes. Eventually, King Josiah and the nation of Israel turned completely back to God.

Then, something amazing happens. (Chapter 35) For the first time in hundreds of years, the nation of Israel celebrated Passover. No one knew how to do it. So, following the Book of the Law, they found descendants of Levi to serve as priests, arranged the sacrificial lambs, had musicians, and observed every ordinance in the 7 day festival. Chapter 35 provides quite a bit of detail because, I believe, it was a very cool event! A nation worshiping God with all of its heart for the first time in generations.

So, why is this important? I think for a couple of reasons.

First, Tim shared this week an amazing story of how a guy he knew many years ago, suddenly re-entered his life, renovating a church that had been vacant for 20 years. In this place of desolation, 9th and Van Buren, God provided a remnant. Imagine the joy of that first (up-coming) worship service.

Second, we need to be committed to removing asher poles and altars to Baals in our own lives and in the Church. God really blesses when we do.

Lastly, let’s not get discouraged by individual or national events that appear to be setbacks. Yes, we should be moved to act. However, know that God is God. For His glory, He will restore. He will not be denied.

Give 2 Chronicles 34-35 a read!

Be encouraged,

Scott