Josiah Seeking God
Synopsis 2Kings 22:9-18 10/16/2019
King Josiah’s officials informed him that they had discovered a book in the temple. And so, he directed them to read the book. As they did, the king became aware of the Law of Moses. What’s more, he suddenly realized how much the people had strayed away from the One, True God.
Accordingly, Josiah tore his garments as a lament. And he directed his officials to seek out someone who could interpret the Lord’s will for the nation.
So, the officials went to a prophet named Huldah. She informed the officials that God’s unquenchable wrath was determined to destroy Jerusalem because of the Israelites’ unfaithfulness. Still, the Lord had noted King Josiah’s response to the revelation of the Law of Moses. And so, Josiah could expect mercy in his lifetime.
Josiah Seeking God
It was a shock. King Josiah thought he was doing well and right. And then, out of nowhere comes the revelation that he, and everyone he knew, had betrayed the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses.
But for Josiah, the critical aspect of this moment was his response. And he responded well. He didn’t slip into condemnation. Instead, he recognized the failure and lamented his part. And this positioned him to take the next step in repentance.
Seeking God After Sin
Sin is the failure to enter into the possibility of a moment. It happens when I choose to be less than I ought to be. It happens when I choose to do less than I ought to do.
My sins are dreadful. And my experience shows me that there is no avoiding this sentiment.
So, when I sin it’s only a matter of time before I become aware of the ugliness of my failings. And this is painful. My moral failings bring real pain. And so, it follows that the sentiment isn’t wrong.
But what is wrong is my sense of condemnation. This alone compounds every sin. It always makes things unnecessarily worse.
What I need is a heart of repentance. What I need is to make the commitment to change – to be changed.
“Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance” Matt 3:8
