3-30-19 Today in the Word

The Book of 2 Chronicles
PASSING OVER DEATH
Saturday, March 30, 2019 | 2 Chronicles 35

In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, Israel recovered the Law of the Lord and reestablished biblical authority throughout the kingdom. They reinstituted the Passover in such a way that it surpassed any Passover celebration in hundreds of years (v. 18).
Four times the writer refers to the authority behind the Passover preparations: The word of the Lord commanded through Moses (vv. 6, 12), the orders of worship given by David (v. 15), and the spiritual leadership of Josiah (v. 16). In another instance we see Josiah act without an explicit reference to authority: contributing his own wealth to the Passover (v. 7). It seems in this instance that Josiah was applying wisdom to determine his actions. It would be wise for the king to ensure that enough lamb was available for the Passover sacrifices, even if it meant he needed to contribute personally.
Josiah held a Passover that pleased the Lord by obeying the Word of God, following the precedent of David, and applying his own wisdom. The people of God in Judah and the remnant of Israel all gathered to observe this momentous occasion of obedience. Josiah’s legacy of faith was so great that he continued to be mourned after his death in laments composed by the prophet Jeremiah (vv. 24–25).
In much of our spiritual practice, we should follow the commands of Scripture, but we might also have particular church or denominational traditions that influence our worship as well. Certain situations call for us to exercise wisdom and good judgment. Not every detail of worship is rigidly prescribed in the Bible, and therefore we can acknowledge that cultural or denominational differences can be acceptable variations of worship that pleases the Lord.
APPLY THE WORD
Wisdom is required to know when Scripture gives us a clear command and when we need godly judgment. Thankfully, God has promised to give wisdom to all who ask (James 1:5)! Spend time in prayer today asking the Lord for wisdom, both for yourself and also for the leaders in your church. Thank Him for making His wisdom available to us.

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