“Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.”
2 Kings 23:25
Josiah was eight years old when he became king and he reigned in Jerusalem for thirty one years. When he sends his court secretary on an errand, his life gets turned upside down. What should have been a simple task turned into despair for Josiah.
The high priest discovers the book of law in the Lord’s temple. When Josiah heard what was in the book, he literally tore his clothes in despair. Josiah didn’t wallow there though, he instead set to work to correct all the wrong that had been done.
2 Kings 22:19 says this “You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the Lord.”
There is a prayer and a cry that will always get the attention of God, and that is the one of a repentant heart. Josiah is written in the word of God as a man with a repentant heart. His humble repentance changed the course of history. Repentance not only changes and affects us, but it changes and affects those around us.
When you repent, God hears you. God loves a heart that is humble and obedient.
Prayer: Lord, I am sorry for every sin I have committed knowingly and unknowingly. I ask that You search my heart today, and if You find something that is not pleasing to You, please destroy it in me. Convict me God, challenge me and make me more like You.
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