CLC Kenya Writing

An Old Dusty Book – Biblical Inspiration for Authors (Pst. Kabuya Muito)

“Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the Lord.’ He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: ‘Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the Lord and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple.’ Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.”

—2 Kings 22:8–11

King Josiah had been king for eighteen years. Things appeared to be going well. From the beginning of his reign, it was evident that he was walking in the ways of his forefather David.

At that time, this was one of the greatest commendations an Israelite king could receive. To be compared to David meant that a king was following the principles and example of one of the nation’s greatest leaders.

Josiah had even begun repairing the temple built by Solomon, which was more than three hundred years old by then. It was a significant legacy project. There were no major wars. The nation appeared stable.

Then, suddenly, an old book was discovered.

A priest overseeing the temple repairs found the Book of the Law, and that discovery changed everything. The words of the book stirred King Josiah deeply and sparked a spiritual revolution that extended beyond the borders of Judah, fulfilling earlier prophecies along the way.

A king and a nation at peace were provoked into transformation by an old, dusty book discovered during repair work.

The book you are writing—or have already written—may not appear very powerful to you now. It may not receive much attention from its first readers or reviewers. Yet it could become the spark that a person, family, community or nation will need one day.

When Moses wrote the Law, many of the Israelites living at the time did not fully appreciate its value. Yet generations later, David treasured it, and King Josiah used it to influence the spiritual direction and future of a nation.

Therefore, keep going.

Write and publish that book confidently. Then, perhaps, write another one.

One day, a carpenter, repair worker or builder may discover it in an old building. He may pass it to his supervisors, and through that simple act, a leader—or even a nation—may be changed forever.

You never know.

Write and Publish That Book

When I read this exhortation from Pastor Kabuya, I am reminded of Habakkuk 2:2–3:

“Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Our responsibility is to write and publish the message God has placed in our hearts. We must do it well and to the best of our ability.

God’s part is to determine the impact of that message and the appointed time when it will speak.

This does not remove our responsibility to write well, publish professionally and market diligently. Christian authors should not use faith as an excuse for poor preparation, weak editing or inadequate promotion. We must do everything entrusted to us with excellence.

However, after we have done all we can, we must stand in faith and trust God to do what only He can do.

Some books make an immediate impact. Others speak years or even generations later. The author may never fully know how far the message travelled or whose life it transformed.

A book is a seed. Once released, it may take root in places the author never imagined.

At the time this article was first written, the world was facing great uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic. Many people found themselves with disrupted routines, postponed plans and unexpected time at home.

That season carried an important reminder that remains relevant: use the time and opportunities available to you wisely.

Take time to write the book God has placed in your heart.

Take time to complete and publish the manuscript you have already written.

Take time to consider how you will market and distribute the book you have already published.

The world may be waiting to hear the message God has entrusted to you, but you must be willing to speak.

As authors, one of the ways we speak is through books.

Let us keep writing.

Reflection Questions

  1. What message has God placed in your heart to write?
  2. Have you delayed because you believe your writing will not make a significant impact?
  3. What practical step can you take today towards completing your manuscript?
  4. Are you committed to writing, publishing and marketing your book with excellence?
  5. Can you trust God with the timing and extent of your book’s impact?

About the Guest Contributor: Pastor Kabuya Muito

Four words describe Kabuya Muito: eclectic, pioneering, cutting-edge and global.

Kabuya is an experienced and versatile leader with a demonstrated history of working across a wide range of fields. He has a particular interest in professional training, coaching, entrepreneurship and social organisations.

He is skilled in film direction, stage direction, business coaching, systems monitoring and literature review. For more than twenty years, he has served as a pioneering pastor, teacher, community leader and businessperson.

A certified growth and leadership coach with Lifeforming Leadership Coaching, Kabuya has a passion for emerging leaders and ethical organisational development. He speaks passionately on these and related matters in Kenya and other nations.

He leads Covenant Centre, a confluence of human-development initiatives, and lives in Nairobi, Kenya, with his wife and their three children.

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