Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
11 When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes. 12 Then the king commanded the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Achbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary, and the king’s servant Asaiah, saying, 13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our ancestors did not obey the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”
14 So the priest Hilkiah, Ahikam, Achbor, Shaphan, and Asaiah went to the prophetess Huldah the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe; she resided in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter, where they consulted her. 15 She declared to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Tell the man who sent you to me, 16 Thus says the Lord, I will indeed bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants—all the words of the book that the king of Judah has read. 17 Because they have abandoned me and have made offerings to other gods, so that they have provoked me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched. 18 But as to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, thus shall you say to him, Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Regarding the words that you have heard, 19 because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place, and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and because you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, says the Lord. 20 Therefore, I will gather you to your ancestors, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring on this place.” They took the message back to the king.
Reflect
We are in turbulent times and there are many things we would like to see changed about our community, church, or nation. What can we do as individuals to contribute to the healing of society? Well, our text today gives us a clue. The first step in contributing to the healing of our communities starts with personal repentance.
This text both inspires and frightens me. It exposes my heart. I find it very easy to point out what everyone else is doing wrong. I am keeping a list! (Not really) But, this text reminds me that maybe I am not exposing God’s Word to my heart. Have I used the Word of God to expose the wrongs of others, while at the same time not using it to expose my sins?
In this text, there doesn’t seem to be much the king can do to avert the disaster promised by God, but at least in the eyes of God the king’s heartfelt repentance was accepted by God and God makes a promise to protect the king.
I have heard a phrase in the past, I am not sure where I first heard it, but the phrase is, “Change begins at home.” Let us all go to the Word of God and allow it to break our stony hearts and bring us back to God who can heal us.
Pray
God, help me to take repentance seriously. Forgive me of my pride and arrogance. Lead me down the path of humility and righteousness. Please Lord, forgive me of my sins and shortcomings. Help me to love You more. Amen
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