Of Gratitude and Repentance

Daily Reading: 2 Kings 22

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. (2 Kings 22.11)

Devotional Thought: King Josiah was a welcome change from his two predecessors, Manasseh and Amon.  While those two did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, Josiah “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and ... did not turn aside to the right or to the left,” (v. 2).  Josiah ordered that the Temple be repaired and worship restored.  In the process, the Book of the Law was discovered and subsequently read to Josiah.  “When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.”  Josiah was devastated to hear the extent of the sin in which the people of Judah were ensnared.

The Law reminds us just how holy the Lord is, and how far short we all fall of that holiness.  None of us can ever perfectly live up to what the Law requires.  How then should we react when our sins are revealed through the Word?

I believe that gratitude would be an appropriate reaction.  The Spirit working in our hearts and lives, even while it can sometimes involve painful growth, shows us the incredible love and patience the Lord has for His imperfect children.  Repentance should quickly follow gratitude, as we “tear our clothes” in remorse over our sins against a Holy God.  Conviction and repentance deepen our faith in, our relationship to, and our love for the Lord, as he reveals His character to us.

Jesus came to live the life we could never live.  Because of his sacrifice, we do not have to despair when the Law is revealed to us.  Rather, we can rejoice in the Law – for our Savior has fulfilled the Law on our behalf!

Jenny

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that your Spirit convicts us of sin.  Help me to respond with gratitude for your incredible love and patience and with repentance and faith.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 18.46-50

46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation--

47 the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me,

48 who delivered me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you rescued me from the man of violence.

49 For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name.

50 Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.