“I have found the Book of the Law” was the exclamation of Hilkiah the priest. (2 Chronicles 34:15) Little did that servant of God realize what his discovery would mean for the people.

The result of that proclamation was one of the greatest revivals in the history of the Old Testament. The drama records that Shaphan the scribe informed the king that “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” (v. 18) Then he began to read the book to King Josiah. Conviction came over the king and “he tore his clothes.” (v. 19) Why was he so affected? Consider verse 21 … “Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and for those who are left in Israel and Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of the LORD that is poured out on us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD, to do according to all that is written in this book.” Those words are the basis for revival—an awareness of personal sin and disregard for God’s Word. And the Lord God hears the prayers of the sincerely repentant sinner: “Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the LORD.” (v. 27) Chapter 35 of 2 Chronicles records that the revival and celebration among God’s people was greater than any time since the days of Samuel the prophet. In order to be able to respond to God’s Word sincerely, you must have a tender heart. Further, you must humble yourself and weep over your sin. Revival is God’s response (according to His sovereign will and good pleasure) to broken and contrite hearts. Would you like to experience revival in your life and in your church? Then, you must respond to the “words of the book” when they are read. Humble yourself. Weep over your sin. And see what God does!

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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