“God’s Word and a Tender Heart”

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you," says the LORD. 
(2 Chronicles 34:27)
 
King Josiah was a great man.  He ruled the nation of Judah several hundred years before the time of Christ.  He inherited the throne at the young age of eight.  This remarkable character, at age sixteen, sought the God of his father David.  (II Chronicles 34:3)  Instead of following the footsteps of a wicked father and grandfather, he devoted himself to pleasing Jehovah God.
 
At age twenty-six Josiah commissioned his leaders to repair the temple.  In the process of this work, a copy of the book of the law of Moses was found, (II Chronicles 34:14, 18) and it was read before the king.  Josiah, when he heard these words, tore his clothes (II Chronicles 34:19) and commanded the high priest to inquire of the Lord concerning the meaning of the message.  Jehovah’s answer was a promise to destroy Judah for her wickedness, but to preserve Josiah because of his tender heart.
 
“Tenderness of heart” means to be soft, yielding, and easily touched.  The condition of King Josiah’s heart is manifested by his willingness to hear God’s word.  Josiah believes it, acknowledging it to be a message from God.  He reverently fears it as he allows it to sink into his soul.  He does not resist it or try to drown it out.  With urgency, he makes full inquiry into its import.  He diligently guides himself by its commands.  Without quibble, he calls all others to enter into a covenant with God.
 
We must not neglect the simple, faithful example of Josiah as the way to receive God’s will!  Give to God your tender heart!
 
By George Slover

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