When we read the bible, truth is revealed to us and we get a sense of how great God is, how much he loves us, how fallen we are, and that we have a God who died for us so we can be free of the cycle of sin, shame, and eternal damnation.
Here we see young King Josiah who reads the Book of the Law and truth is revealed to him.
11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 “Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.” (verses 11-13)
Josiah's response is appropriate and it is through God's grace alone that Judah is not destroyed.
‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19 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 a curse[b] and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the LORD. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’”(verses 18-20)
Here we see our God and again how truly compassionate he is - while it is not promised that we will not be punished for our sin, forgiveness is always available, but as Josiah shows we must first demonstrate repentance.
My Prayer: Lord, your love truly abounds. I am thankful for your mercy and compassion in my life and seek your forgiveness for my own behavior, particularly in the area of worry and behavior at work. Help me with this and help me trust you more.
