Responding with Tenderness: The Legacy of King Josia
2 Kings 22:19a
Because thine heart was tender…
Get this: King Josiah started a renovation project on the house of The Lord, and while they were working on this project, someone came across the book of the law of The Lord. Then, they brought it back to king Josiah, and read it to him. Upon hearing it, he wept, rent his clothes, and humbled himself before God’s presence because he knew that the judgments out of that book were upon Israel for having not heeded its warnings. However, because of his immediate and tender response to God’s Word, God promised king Josiah that it would not happen in his days, but that his days would remain in peace. And the point? You don’t have to go down in judgment with the rest of the crowd!!
Just because many there be which go in thereat, does not mean that you have to. No doubt even today, because of this wicked generation’s determination to go against God’s Word, will and ways, judgment day is coming.
However, God is still looking for those who have tender hearts towards His Word. Question: how sensitive are you to God’s Word? Upon receiving a rebuke from God’s Word, do you harden your heart, or respond with a tender heart to God’s will for your life? The truth is, you can make your own choices in life, but you cannot choose your own consequences! It is important to know then just how important it is for us to respond to God’s Word with tenderness.
Those who harden their hearts to God’s Word only seal their fate of judgment at His hand, but those who soften their hearts in obedient and repentant response learn that God has tender mercies to pass out for tender hearts to His Word. Dear reader, do not kick against the pricks of The Holy Ghost who speaks sharply to you through God’s Word to warn you of the error of your way.
Listen and respond with repentance and obedience so that He may have mercy on you and give you peace in your days. Too many people today choose to ignore God’s Word, not realizing the sheer weight of consequence that follows. You don’t have to be one of those statistics.
Wherever God speaks to you from His Word, regardless of the subject or the situation, take Him at His Word, and respond with tenderness of heart. If you do, you’ll never regret it! However, should you choose to rebel, then you will live a lifetime of regrets. Be tender!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
Because thine heart was tender…
Get this: King Josiah started a renovation project on the house of The Lord, and while they were working on this project, someone came across the book of the law of The Lord. Then, they brought it back to king Josiah, and read it to him. Upon hearing it, he wept, rent his clothes, and humbled himself before God’s presence because he knew that the judgments out of that book were upon Israel for having not heeded its warnings. However, because of his immediate and tender response to God’s Word, God promised king Josiah that it would not happen in his days, but that his days would remain in peace. And the point? You don’t have to go down in judgment with the rest of the crowd!!
Just because many there be which go in thereat, does not mean that you have to. No doubt even today, because of this wicked generation’s determination to go against God’s Word, will and ways, judgment day is coming.
However, God is still looking for those who have tender hearts towards His Word. Question: how sensitive are you to God’s Word? Upon receiving a rebuke from God’s Word, do you harden your heart, or respond with a tender heart to God’s will for your life? The truth is, you can make your own choices in life, but you cannot choose your own consequences! It is important to know then just how important it is for us to respond to God’s Word with tenderness.
Those who harden their hearts to God’s Word only seal their fate of judgment at His hand, but those who soften their hearts in obedient and repentant response learn that God has tender mercies to pass out for tender hearts to His Word. Dear reader, do not kick against the pricks of The Holy Ghost who speaks sharply to you through God’s Word to warn you of the error of your way.
Listen and respond with repentance and obedience so that He may have mercy on you and give you peace in your days. Too many people today choose to ignore God’s Word, not realizing the sheer weight of consequence that follows. You don’t have to be one of those statistics.
Wherever God speaks to you from His Word, regardless of the subject or the situation, take Him at His Word, and respond with tenderness of heart. If you do, you’ll never regret it! However, should you choose to rebel, then you will live a lifetime of regrets. Be tender!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill