SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 22
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people, that they would become accursed and laid waste, and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. [2 Kings 22:19]
Josiah hears the Law of Moses, the basis of old testament Israel’s existence, and he is convicted.
His heart is inclined towards God, even before the book is found, but when he hears what God’s Law involves, he humbles himself before God.
But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, `God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. [Luke 18:13-14]
As I mentioned yesterday, its not a matter of where we are on the scale from evil to goodness (-10 to +10) but which way we are leaning.
In terms of goodness and evil, the Pharisee was perhaps a +8 while the tax collector was a -8…
But the tax collectors heart was humbled, he recognized the true condition of his heart and his need for God’s mercy and help – and he receives it.
Josiah’s heart is also humbled, he recognizes the truth about himself and the people of God, of their need for God’s mercy and help – and they receive it!
This is what God desires from us – sincerity, honesty, and humility.
God does not expect perfection, but He does expect repentance.
To repent is to admit our sin, failure and imperfection, to admit the true condition of our self-centered hearts.
Once we repent, then God freely forgives us, and commits to helping us.
As we shall see, Josiah’s repentance is followed by sincere attempts to change, with God’s help.
Confession of sin is not the end, but is followed by commitment to goodness, to obeying God’s will.
PRAYER:
Lord, may my heart be responsive, may I humble myself before You with sincerity and honesty. And with your help, may I make every effort to change.
Josiah at eight became king and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Not only did he have child like faith but he was raised in the ways of the Lord. Yet he did not have the book of the law which was found in the temple. This reminds me of a song that states ‘Thy Word oh Lord have I hid in my heart.’
God has given His written Word as our guide for Life. Read it I must. It is my guide for life. As Josiah stated those before him had not obeyed the words of this book. How often does my Bible collect dust because of lack of use? PTL that many of those coming to serve here are reading their Word openly, in the morning and throughout the day, being a living witness, asking God for instructions. How shall I live out this day Lord? Teach me the way in which I shall go. Josiah knew where to turn for help. Do I?
Lord help me to use the resources of this day to follow You – Your Word, Your people.
Thy Word have I hid in my heart,
That I might not sin against Thee;
That I might not sin, that I might not sin,
Thy Word have I hid in my heart.
Forever, O Lord, is Thy Word
Established and fixed on high;
Thy faithfulness unto all men
Abideth forever nigh.
Refrain
At morning, at noon, and at night
I ever will give Thee praise;
For Thou art my portion, O Lord,
And shall be through all my days!
Refrain
Thro’ Him Whom Thy Word hath foretold,
The Savior and Morning Star,
Salvation and peace have been brought
To those who have strayed afar.