Nougat 22

What do we do in the face of God’s anger? Do we try to justify our actions? Cast blame on others? Take responsibility? Rest in the assurance that ‘Jesus paid it all’? Here’s one option in today’s Holy Nougat

“After the king heard the words of the Torah scroll, he tore his clothes. ”Go, inquire of Adonai for me, for the people and for all Judah, about the words of this scroll that was found. For great is the wrath of Adonai that is kindled against us, since our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do everything written here that concerns us.”” 2 Kings 22:11, 13 TLV

Josiah was perhaps the youngest king of Judah. He is more popularly known however, for following the Faith of David, rather than that of his immediate predecessors who frequently offended God. It is possible that in attempting to grasp the nuances of kingship, Josiah had Proverbs 1:7; and 9:10 drummed into him. Both verses remind/warn that the fear of Lord (ie respect, worship tinged with a bit of holy fear) produces Wisdom and Knowledge. And, though not credited with Solomonic wisdom, Josiah definitely feared God.

His godly fear translated into humility. He did not esteem himself above God. So much so that his servant’s discovery of the Scroll containing God’s laws resulted in IMMEDIATE repentance! When Josiah discerned What the Scroll contained, he knew God’s Anger should have been kindled against Judah.

Instead of absolving himself from the sins of his fathers; Josiah accepted responsibility for the past leaders’ transgressions and inquired of God’s Spirit HOW to make it right. (Now that’s role model material right there!!) Josiah recognized that ‘we who know better must do better’. No shifting of blame; he simply faced up to his collective responsibility.

I know that that’s not easy. For the temptation is to take an Adamic approach to God’s anger: Hide and Deflect. When called out on the sin, Adam forgot that he was to cherish Eve and cast the blame solely on her. Not so our hero Josiah. And it is his example that we ought to emulate.

There are many issues in our global, regional and local contexts that anger God’s Spirit. We are called to repent of our personal issues as well as to repent for the collective sins. If we select just one collective sin, then ask forgiveness, I’m sure we can see the difference in community. And God’s anger should be lessened.

Lord we have sinned and are deserving of Your anger. We can’t cope when Your anger is kindled against us. Forgive us our selfishness, greed, malicious ways and do not treat us as our sins deserve we pray, in Jesus name amen

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May all we seek be found in Christ