I don’t know how many blogs I will do on this topic, but I expect a LOT.
There are so many angles to look at covenant in the Bible and I want this to address as thoroughly as possible.
This morning, the Lord had me read about the Josiah Reformation.
Josiah has always been my favorite King. I would name my son after him. He was fierce and once he heard the Word, he not only followed it, but called a nation to follow.
He was already written about as “doing right in the eyes of the Lord.” But when they found the book of the Law….he realized how far they were off and he took action.
It wasn’t like he had a ton of fans at that point. He gathers all the people and reads to them what the Word says. Then he moves into action. He was 26.
You can read about it too in 2 Kings 23 or 2 Chronicles 34.
The high priest finds the Book of the Law.
When he read the words, Josiah tore his clothes.
Josiah commanded the some men to inquire of the Lord.
God promises disaster because they had forsaken Him.
His wrath will be kindled and it will not be quenched.
BUT GOD SAYS TO JOSIAH, “Because your heart was penitent and you humbled yourself before the Lord…when I spoke of against this place…you have torn your clothes and wept…your eyes shall not see the disaster.”
But that wasn’t enough for Josiah to be promised “he’s good with God.”
He cared about a nation.
And he gathered EVERYONE and read the words of the Book of the Covenant.
And the people joined in the covenant.
Then the King began clearing the land. Smashing idols. Burning up things detestable to God. Got rid of priests who worshipped other gods.
Then they kept Passover….for the first time in a long time.
And I couldn’t help but think this morning, that the Word causes a reaction.
People either humble themselves and act upon it or buck it.
Either way, a reaction comes.
Israel hadn’t read the Book of The Law in about 60 years!
This topic of covenant, remarriage and divorce has changed a lot in America’s 60 years. It was still super abnormal in the 50s when my grandparents got divorced.
But now, in 2020, it’s normal. That scares me. In such a short time, it is normal.
So much so, I can’t find ONE person who agrees completely with me on this. I don’t know John Piper personally, but it sure would help to have someone spurring you on. I haven’t had one mentor in my life spur me on in this area.
You could say “Teresa, well, shouldn’t that be a sign, when all your people aren’t agreeing with you?”
Yes, it would be a good sign…if my message wasn’t Biblical.
I can imagine Jeremiah didn’t have a huge encouragement circle on his topics from God. I can imagine Paul got pushback because he had never been married and was talking to the Corinthians about marriage. I think that might have been why he felt the need to say “And I have the Spirit too.” I can imagine Jesus got pushback, in His 30s, talking about divorce and had never been married.
I almost think this is how I will learn to not fear man any longer is to talk about what NO ONE else is talking about. And I’m not talking about those outside the church…I don’t expect them to have this conviction. Just inside the church.
To not have anyone standing with me will truly show if God will allow me to bring about a Josiah Reformation for covenant marriage in America.
I believe it will bring wholeness to our families. It will be for our good. It will be for our whole nation. And for that, I am willing to go through the pain of rejection.
Believe me, I got a reaction yesterday. And I knew I would.
I knew the cost would be high. This year, I am willing to not be silent any longer about things that matter.
The fear of man is leaving and my fear of God is growing.
Next blog will be about the scriptural foundation of marriage from Old Testament to New Testament.
