“Josiah was eight years old when he began to rule. He ruled 31 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. Josiah did what the Lord said was right. He followed God like his ancestor David. Josiah obeyed God’s teachings—he did exactly what God wanted. During the 18th year that Josiah was king, he sent Shaphan son of Azaliah son of Meshullam, the secretary, to the Lord’s Temple. Josiah said, “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest. Tell him that he must get the money that people brought to the Lord’s Temple. The gatekeepers collected that money from the people. The priests must use that money to pay the workers to repair the Lord’s Temple. They must give that money to the men who supervise the work on the Lord’s Temple. Use that money for the carpenters, stonemasons, and stonecutters. Also use that money to buy the timber and cut stones that are needed to repair the Temple. Don’t count the money that you give to the workers. They can be trusted.” Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “Look, I found the Book of the Law in the Lord’s Temple!” Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and Shaphan read it.” (2 Kings 22:1—8 Easy-to-Read Translation)
For the first time in years, I had an opportunity to have my whole family together. All my children (Sounds like it could be a series!); all my children were in town last week to visit with my wife and me. They always bring about joy and laughter, even when they share stories from old times, sharing some accounts that I never knew about. Oh! I learned that there were experiences they had as children! I even learned about some of their reasoning and rationale behind the things they did as youngsters. It was all good, finding out new stuff, at least new to me; finding new stuff in old places.
I have two more “finding new stuff in old places” stories to share. Both are true, but I am leading up to the most important one, the third story. But first, the second story. It is no secret to those who know me that I have no shame in going into thrift shops and flea markets. On a recent shopping trip, I found brand new designer shirts with the tags still on them, and famous brand ties, never worn. I purchased a nearly new chair that fit my décor scheme. The fabric was a perfect fit for where it would be placed; a space that was just waiting for a chair that size. I’m just sharing, openly, about finding new stuff in old places.
Here is the third and final story. In our three, weekly, virtual Bible Study Classes, we are going through The Gospel According to Mark. We have been in the first chapter for three weeks. Now what came to my attention was the fact that even though one might have studied this book before and possibly may have been taught many Sunday School lessons about the service of the Servant, Jesus the Christ, in the Book of Mark, one will end up finding new stuff in old places. Why so? Perhaps one will find new stuff because he/she is going deeper in the study of the word. Perhaps one will find new stuff because initially he/she was just amazed and in awe of the presentation of the Servant, the power of the Lord, and the performed miracles in Mark. Still, perhaps now, one’s eyes are open wider, and can see the value of using those beautiful maps in the back of the Bible, value the related references to prophetic words contained in the Old Testament, and maybe one finds the understanding of specific words to be significant. In times past, the inspired word in Mark was perhaps looked at from the setting around the text and did not take the time to look at the significant history of the places in which the accounts actually took place. It could also be that the points emphasized by one’s teacher or preacher were specifically sent for that specific time in the past for a specific reason. But now God has something specifically new to reveal in this specific day and time. Finally, one might have missed out on just how profitable the word of God is every single time you look at it. One might understand now, something about the audiences of the synoptic gospel writers. I’m just trying to make a point. Sure, I want you to communicate that you can find new stuff in old places. But the real point is that even if you have been through the bible from cover to cover, there is something new that God will show you every time. Therefore, continue to study the word. Continue or start attending Bible Study. Don’t miss out by saying, “I already read it!” No! Because if you do, you will miss learning that in repeated study of the inspired word of God, you will find new stuff on old places, finding new stuff in old places.
Long read! Not really! Probably what you are reading is equivalent to 1.5 pages of a novel. Nevertheless, I hope you have been inspired and motivated to continue to study God’s word. One more thing, God will tell you something new and specific tomorrow, Sunday. He has a new sent word for you, and it will be delivered specifically to you in your old sanctuary as you are a part of the assembly of the saints, finding new stuff in old places. May this day be enjoyable. May tomorrow be edifying! Be blessed!
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King