25 September 2019
Ridicule & Repentance
2 Kings 22:19
You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said...
This passage is from the historical account of King Josiah’s response to finding the Book of the Law and reading it. He realized right away that his whole kingdom had been offending God with their lives. When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair (v.11). He didn’t make excuses even though he had many – like having ungodly parents. He went straight to the LORD and discovered that God doesn’t make fun of people who repent. We are so accustomed to associating ridicule with repentance, but this has actually never been God’s practice.
James 4:6-7
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves before God...
Josiah humbled himself, and God extended grace to him and his whole kingdom. What if I humble myself instead of making excuses for my actions – and I can come up with some good excuses. But what I really need (and my “kingdom” needs from me too) is simple. Apologize. Repent. Be humble. God isn’t looking for excuses, he’s looking to extend his grace on us all!
Dear God,
You are so good, and I am so crazy. Thank you for making things actually simple. Thank you for your grace – that you never withhold. I even actually deserve for you to withhold it, and you don’t. Thank you that repentance is available everyday and you don’t ridicule for it. You are so kind and good; there is NO ONE like you. And I love you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
Ridicule & Repentance
2 Kings 22:19
You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said...
This passage is from the historical account of King Josiah’s response to finding the Book of the Law and reading it. He realized right away that his whole kingdom had been offending God with their lives. When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair (v.11). He didn’t make excuses even though he had many – like having ungodly parents. He went straight to the LORD and discovered that God doesn’t make fun of people who repent. We are so accustomed to associating ridicule with repentance, but this has actually never been God’s practice.
James 4:6-7
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves before God...
Josiah humbled himself, and God extended grace to him and his whole kingdom. What if I humble myself instead of making excuses for my actions – and I can come up with some good excuses. But what I really need (and my “kingdom” needs from me too) is simple. Apologize. Repent. Be humble. God isn’t looking for excuses, he’s looking to extend his grace on us all!
Dear God,
You are so good, and I am so crazy. Thank you for making things actually simple. Thank you for your grace – that you never withhold. I even actually deserve for you to withhold it, and you don’t. Thank you that repentance is available everyday and you don’t ridicule for it. You are so kind and good; there is NO ONE like you. And I love you and pray in Jesus’ name, amen.
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