2 Kings 22:11 “When the king heard the words of the book of the law, he tore his clothes.”
SORROW
Josiah was the first good king of Judah in three generations. His great grandfather Hezekiah had ruled well, but his grandfather Manasseh and his father Amon were wicked. The people of the land had forgotten the Lord. When the Word was found in the temple and read to him, he was so overtaken with grief and humiliation before the Lord that he tore his clothes as a sign of repentance.
Now, don’t lose sight of the fact that Josiah was only about 26 years old at this time. He wasn’t some old man. But he was a humble young king who wanted to serve his people and his Lord well. Humility is a leadership trait that we don’t see much anymore. But is probably the one trait that the Lord will bless the most. The Word does say He will exalt the humble and humble he exalted.
TEACHING MOMENT
Today parents are so concerned with building up their child’s self-image that they make them into little monsters. There is no humility. Little Johnny or Susie can do no wrong. “I can’t tell them no because that might hurt their feelings.” What?! Humility is a trait that you can’t teach, only model. But we can ensure that our children are given enough opportunities to learn humility.
They need to see us deflect praise of something we have done toward others. They need to see us lower ourselves to serve someone others may just pass by. They need to hear us pray to the Lord, asking for forgiveness. We do NOT need to confess our sins before our children, but they do need to know that we mess up and need forgiveness, just like them.
Perhaps today, you need to “tear your clothes” in sorrow and humility before your God. Are you reading His Word daily? How do you deal with those commandments that you know you aren’t following? Do you just ignore them? Or do they convict you? Bow your knee right now and confess your disobedience before a holy God.
A Moment In Time 