In 721BC the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians. Apparently a number of the priests and other officials fled to Jerusalem with some of their treasures. One hundred years later in 622BC while looking for something of value among these treasures they found a book. The high priest Hilkiah informed the scribe Shaphan, “I have found the book of the law in the temple of the LORD.” This possibly was an early version of the Book of Deuteronomy. The king used the “book of the law” as a basis for the renewal of the faith among the people. This reminds us that renewal is an perennial task among the people of God — ongoing conversion to become more loving, compassionate, generous and forgiving.
JUNE222022
By Church Staff