READING: 2 Kings 20-22
Let me be honest here. I don’t grieve enough over sin among the people of God and within the nation in which I live. I preach against it, but even my preaching that message doesn’t mean that my heart breaks like it should when I see open rebellion against God. I’m sure the problem is mine, for I don’t weep enough even over my own sin. When my heart isn’t melted by my sin and the sin of God’s people, something’s not right in me.
I don’t know that I have ever grieved like King Josiah did when he heard the Book of the Law newly discovered in the temple of the Lord (2 Kings 22:8-10). The king tore his robes in agony, recognizing that the people of God were risking His judgment: “Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone on before us have not obeyed the words of this book” (2 Kings 22:13). I can only surmise why my grief is not so great:
- I have not seen God’s judgment up close?
- I have so separated myself from the real world in the bubble of Christianity that I don’t think enough about our sinfulness?
- I’ve grown accustomed to wickedness in such a way that it never surprises me anymore?
- I bank on God’s grace to the neglect of the reality of His judgment?
- I fail to see my own sin as evil as it is?
I fear, frankly, that the latter reason might be far too much the cause behind my lack of burden. Whatever the cause may be, I want to be like Josiah — who responded rightly in his heart, who humbled himself before God, who tore his robes in grief, and who wept in God’s presence. In turn, God listened to the king’s prayers (2 Kings 22:19).
May God change my heart accordingly.
ACTION STEPS:
- Pray that God would move in my heart as I’ve requested above.
- Pray the same prayer for yourself.
PRAYER: “God, forgive me when I ignore the seriousness of sin. Change my heart, Lord.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 2 Kings 23-25