Tues., 12/29/15 Devotion (2 Chron. 34:27)

Today's encouragement comes from 2 Chronicles 34:27, where we read these words:

" ' . . . 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."

This verse (above) is in reference to the excellent king of Judah, Josiah. When Josiah heard the new-found Scripture read to him, he immediately re-sponded, with faith and repentance. When Josiah inquired of God, as to the judgments pronounced on the land, the king greatly humbled himself before the Lord.

This is a wonderful encouragement for all of us in the faithful church today. The world of religion, and the world generally, are not good in good shape. But, so long as true believers in Jesus are thoroughly pierced by God's gos-pel word, and are melted in heart by the Spirit of grace, then there is full hope for us—even concerning the temporal issues of life. On top of that, through this whole process, our souls are made more like Christ.

[Puritan quote of the day: "Places and conditions are happy or miserable as God grants His gracious presence more or less.” —Richard Sibbes, in, "The Soul's Conflict"]