How should we respond to God's messages, as exemplified in 2 Kings 22:15? Setting the Scene • Young King Josiah has just heard the rediscovered Book of the Law read aloud (2 Kings 22:8–11). • Deeply convicted, he sends a delegation to Huldah the prophetess to seek the LORD’s guidance. • Her opening words become our focus: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me.’” (2 Kings 22:15) Why This Moment Matters • God speaks with absolute authority. • Josiah models a heart that trembles at God’s word (compare Isaiah 66:2). • The scene shows how humble listening leads to national renewal (2 Kings 23). Four Heart Attitudes in Responding to God’s Messages 1. Recognition – Hear the voice behind the words: “My sheep listen to My voice” (John 10:27). – Scripture is not one opinion among many; it is “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). 2. Reverence – Huldah’s phrase “the LORD, the God of Israel” underlines His covenant authority. – Josiah tears his clothes (2 Kings 22:11) in awe, not annoyance. 3. Repentance – God commends Josiah because “your heart was tender and you humbled yourself” (2 Kings 22:19). – True hearing produces sorrow over sin (Psalm 51:17; 2 Corinthians 7:10). 4. Resolve – Josiah immediately gathers the people and makes a covenant “to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments” (2 Kings 23:3). – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only”. Practical Steps for Today • Read with expectancy—ask, “What does God plainly say here?” • Respond promptly—write one concrete action to obey before the day ends. • Remove obstacles—Josiah purged idols (2 Kings 23:4–14); identify and discard whatever competes with God’s voice. • Remember grace—obedience flows from gratitude, not mere duty (John 14:15). Encouraging Promises Linked to Obedience • “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) • “If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17) • “Whoever looks intently into the perfect law… will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:25) Summary Snapshot Recognize God’s voice, revere His authority, repent where convicted, and resolve to obey. That is Josiah’s pattern in 2 Kings 22:15—still the surest way to welcome every message God sends today. |
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