“Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when [Josiah] had cleansed the land and the house, he sent Shaphan, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God... And they gave it to the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord. And the workmen who were working in the house of the Lord gave it for repairing and restoring the house. They gave it to the carpenters and the builders to buy quarried stone, and timber for binders and beams for the buildings that the kings of Judah had let go to ruin. And the men did the work faithfully. Over them were set Jahath and Obadiah, and Zechariah and Meshullam, to have oversight. The Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music, were over the burden-bearers and directed all who did work in every kind of service, and some of the Levites were scribes and officials and gatekeepers. While they were bringing out the money that had been brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found the Book of the Law of the Lord given through Moses. Then Hilkiah said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.’ And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan. Shaphan brought the book to the king, and reported, ‘All that was committed to your servants they are doing.'” 2 Chronicles 34:8,10-16
Maintenance: The work of keeping something in proper condition; upkeep. The house of the Lord in Jerusalem was magnificent, but in constant need of maintaining and repair, as is any manmade structure. Josiah was one of several kings of Judah who took its cleansing and maintenance seriously, taking care to restore it and the word of God as the foundation for its function. (Asa-2 Chronicles 15:8; Hezekiah- 2 Chronicles 29:1-3; Joash- 2 Chronicles 24:4-5,12-13)
We learn that no thing we have lasts forever: our trinkets rust, our homes and houses of worship wear with use. As long as we live on earth we will need to maintain, repair, redo, or replace. As good stewards of all God entrusts to us, we are not to lay up much for ourselves here, but be responsible with what God has given us in order to be generous and focus on heavenly treasure. How are we using it for His honor, and others’ best advantage? Are there areas where we are slacking, wasteful, or selfish that need remedying? (Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 13:5)
We learn that our bodies, themselves temple of the Holy Spirit, need proper maintenance to function well and best utilize our gifts. Wholesome eating, regular exercise of mind and body, and healthy rest contribute to the beneficial working of our temples. We learn that our secret spirit place, that inner sanctum where we meet with our Lord, must take precedence. It requires attention by way of consistent worship, divine feeding on His word, and surrender and service to our Lord. Where are we slacking, making excuses, and needing discipline as keepers of His temple? (1 Corinthians 6:13,19-20)
Only Jesus lasts forever. He does not change or wear away. (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)
Lord, please help me in the practical, physical, and spiritual realms to maintain with excellence all You have entrusted to me. May my every duty by and for Your holy temple bring You glory.
As the rain and snow 