Inspired by . . . Headlines: The Book of the Law, Found!

Inspired by . . . Headlines: The Book of the Law, Found!

"Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation." 2Cor 7:10


Technology has given us access to the world in real time. While there are many benefits to this, face-time with family, etc. there is also a very real danger.

Suddenly the evils of this world are front and center. We can hear and see, other people's sins being acted out in real time. And while we may recognize and oppose their sin, these things have become common place. In large part, we have become immune to the gravity of sin.

By the time Josiah became king of Judah, the scroll containing the laws handed down by God to Moses had been regulated to a dark, dusty corner of the temple. 2Kings 22 records for us the finding of the scroll by the high priest Hilkiah and King Josiah's response when the scroll was read in his presence.

When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the secretary, and Asaiah the king's servant, saying, "Go, inquire of the LORD for me, and 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 fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us." (2Ki 22:11-13)

The kings deep grief moved him and all of Judah with him to repentance and restoration with God. Today many, believers included, have regulated the commands of God to a dusty corner. No one wants to talk about sin, let alone admit that they sin. In fact, more and more people are deceiving themselves by claiming personal sin simply doesn't exist.

This isn't surprising in a culture that often celebrates and at the very least ignores sin.

I often find myself responding to the sin around me with a pious attitude, rather than one of grief. This isn't only wrong, it's dangerous.

As a Christian, my first response to sin (mine and other's) should be deep grief. Not a sanctimonious response that ignores my own sin, and never with indifference.

Grief over sin moves us toward repentance. And repentance is tied directly to the Savior.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1Jn 1:8-10)

I believe how we view and respond to the sin in the world is directly tied to how we will view and respond to the sin in our own lives.

The Good News is, we have in Jesus Christ, One who is acceptable to God and will plead our cause with the Father. He is Himself a sacrifice to atone for our sins, and not ours only but the sins of the whole world. (1Jn 2: 1-2)

Shalom,