Josiah the King
There was once, long years ago, in the land of Judah, a young king called Josiah. Josiah was a good king, and he decided to clear out God's house, the Temple, of all the idols that had gathered there during the time that his father and grand-father had been kings of Judah. They were foolish and bad kings, and did not lead he people well.
As the High Priest was clearing out the Temple, he came upon a "book" tucked away in a corner out of sight. It was the Book of God's Law, written by Moses, telling the people how to live. He discovered that it should have been read regularly to the people. Long years must have passed since it had been read, and Josiah discovered that God would judge the people because they had forgotten His Law. He commanded all the people to gather at the Temple, then, he stood up and read aloud out of the Book. Josiah himself promised to obey God's word, and told the people to do the same.
Wasn't it a sad thing, that God's Book could have been lost like that for so many years? But, you know, boys and girls, that God's word can be "lost" for us, too! I remember a little boy who was reading the Bible one day, and his mummy asked him about what he was reading. This is what he said, "I don't now, I'm reading but I'm not listening." I wonder are you like that sometimes? Are the words of the Bible – God's promises and God's judgements – "lost" to you? You have the Bible, even in your very own hands, but the truth is "lost", because you are not "listening."
I trust that we might all be able to hear God's voice speaking to us through the Bible, and be like Josiah, and not the other boy. When we read God's Word – listen: and then, promise in our hearts to obey it.