The Daily Word: Saturday, July 3rd, 2021
2 Kings 22:3-23:30
Acts 21:37-22:16
Psalm 1:1-6
Proverbs 18:11-12
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
“But as for the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, in this manner you shall speak to him, ‘Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard– because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord.’ “ – 2 Kings 22:18-19
As King Josiah read God’s Word for the first time in many years, he was immediately convicted. Israel and Judah had been ignoring God! They had been disobedient to God’s instructions for generations. And as Judah’s leader, Josiah was responsible for change.
King Josiah had a choice to make in response to this conviction: this deep-seated understanding that he was not living God’s plan for his life. He could either 1) walk away from God altogether, or 2) return to Him with his whole heart. So he came back to God. He re-established true worship in Judah! Judah’s future changed for the infinitely better in an instant, all because of Josiah’s response to God’s word.
Josiah read God’s word with a humble heart. His heart was tender, and he humbled himself before the Lord (v 18)! And as a result, God heard him. God answered his prayers! He would be safe from all the calamity that the people of Judah rightfully deserved, simply because of the posture he took as he opened and listened to Scripture.
Read God’s word with a humble heart! When you open the Scriptures, get ready for God to change you: not because you need to change for Him to love you, but because He loves you too much to leave you where you are. Don’t get mad at God because you can’t measure up to His standard. Trust Him to help you fulfill your calling and design. Stay humble, and He will hear you, no matter what.
Prayer:
Father, I trust You! I know that a life that honors Your word is the best life I can live. Strengthen me to keep Your word. Help me to read Your word with a humble heart, in Jesus’ name!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.