Old Testament reading: 2 Chronicles 34-35
The reign of Josiah brings marks the end of Judah’s independence. Josiah’s righteousness, coupled with his restoration and reforms simply were not enough to overcome the wickedness of Manasseh and Amon. But God was not unjust to recognize Josiah’s good heart. Though God had promised during Manasseh’s reign to wipe Judah clean as one wipes a dish and turns it upside down (2 Kings 21:13), He promised Josiah that He would not do it in his lifetime, saying, “You shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes will not see the calamity which I shall bring to this place and its inhabitants (34:28). Josiah’s demise came when he gathered his army against Pharaoh Necho, who warned Josiah not to meddle with God, Who had commanded fight against Carchemish. Josiah did not listen, which led to his death, However, the inspired writer confirms that Pharaoh Necho did indeed speak “from the mouth of God.”
New Testament reading: 2 Peter
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20-21). Throughout my lifelong association with the Lord’s church, with more than 30 years as a Christian and 25 of those in ministry, I have heard this passage misapplied nearly as much as any other by the brethren. When I hear this passage cited or quoted, invariably it is in the context of unity on the meaning and interpretation of Scripture or in the context of trying to refute someone who claims to have special insight into the Bible. While this is the usual meaning of word translated “interpretation,” I believe the context speaks to the origin of prophecy and not the interpretation thereof. Beginning in verse 16 Paul contrasts “cunningly devised fables” with “the prophetic word confirmed” in verse 19. Finally, verse 21 is clearly speaking of the origin of true prophecy as coming from holy men of God who were moved, that is to say, carried along by the Holy Spirit. Now, I believe that establishing the origin of genuine prophecy also includes the general use of this text. All Scripture is given by God for a specific purpose, and as such has an intended meaning which is not subject to man’s private whims.
Leave a Reply