S) "27 'Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and because you humbled yourself before Me, tore your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you,' declares the Lord."
2 Chronicles 34:27 (NASB)
O) These are the words of Huldah, the prophetess. When Josiah ascended the throne, he was only eight years old. When He was sixteen, he began seeking the LORD on his own. When he was twenty, he began reforms in Judah. When he was twenty six, he commissioned the repair of the temple. During those repairs, they rediscovered the Law given to Moses (all of this unfolds through this chapter, and is mirrored in 2 Kings 22). So, he sought what the LORD would say, through the prophetess. While the LORD made it clear that He would not remove His hand from the people, only He promised that Josiah would not have to witness their destruction (see v.28). What is very interesting, is that the Bible never actually indicates that God delayed, or held off, or waited any additional time. In fact, the wording almost makes it seem like He was telling Josiah that his life would be shortened, so as to spare him the grief of seeing his people judged. Throughout the life of Josiah, he led the people in serving the LORD.
A) Josiah's reign was clearly marked with humility and fear of the LORD, two things that are difficult for me, still. When Josiah read the words of the LORD'S Law, he clearly saw his sin. He saw the sins of his people. He knew that they deserved all of the wrath that was coming. The words spoken to him through the prophetess, assured him that the LORD truly had heard him. This is an important element, because the wrath of God was still going to come. The punishment of sin was still going to come. Josiah was spared, because of his faith, humility, and repentance. His tender heart was shown when he chose to humble himself before God, tearing his clothes and weeping. When I read the words of God, when the Holy Spirit convicts me, do I respond the same way? Do I, with a tender heart, humble myself before God, tearing my clothes and weeping? Is my repentance active? That is to say, my repentance should be manifested, somehow. Just as faith without works is dead (see James 2:8), a verse like this (or when David is confronted by Nathan) seems to suggest that repentance without works is also dead. When I am convicted, what action does that conviction produce?
P) Father, I am guilty of sin. You are holy, and I fail to reach that holiness every day. Forgive me, in Jesus' name. Thank You that the grace and mercy I need are new every morning, even this morning. Holy Spirit lead me in repentance. Guide me to action, as I rend my heart and weep before You. Discipline me, and give me wisdom, to exercise self control, humility, and walk in fear of You, Lord GOD. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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