2 Kings 22:11, 13, 19
“When the king heard what was written in the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. . . ‘Inquire about the words written in this scroll that has been found. For the Lord’s great anger is burning against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the words in this scroll. We have not been doing everything it says we must do.’ . . [And the Lord said], ‘You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people. . You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you.”
As King Josiah, one of the few kings of Judah who sought the Lord, tried to implement change to bring his nation back to God, a lost copy of the Book of the Law was found and brought to the king. Notice Josiah’s reaction to the reading of God’s Word: he tears his clothes in despair and repentance as he realizes that not only had his own people not been living according to God’s Word, but neither had his ancestors. King Josiah led out in an act of corporate repentance and, because of his humble response, the Lord responded.
Respond in Prayer
Take some time right now to go back and read 2 Kings 22. Follow the example of King Josiah and humble yourself before God. In your humility, acknowledge, repent and lament for the sins of your fathers and for sins committed in ignorance. The racism problem in our world is not a new problem. Healing begins when we continue to humble ourselves before God in both personal and corporate repentance. For further learning: check out the book Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison wherever you buy books. Listen to a podcast with her here.
For Families with Kids at Home
As parents, part of our role in racial reconciliation is by having conversations with our kids early and regularly—and true change begins at home. If you feel unequipped for this conversation, that’s okay! Just start somewhere. For a book that will help you have this conversation with your kids, check out God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell.