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Someone has listed five reasons people find it hard to say, “I’m sorry”: We are afraid of losing control; we’re selfish; we are unaware that admitting wrong has benefits; we want pity from others; or we just like to take advantage of others. The ancient King Josiah put aside all excuses when he learned that his nation had sinned before God. While workers were fixing the Temple, they found the book Moses wrote indicating the nation had broken God’s laws. When the king heard words pointing to their moral failure, he sent a delegation to consult with God. God’s response was this: “This is what the LORD says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the curses written in the scroll that was read to the king of Judah will come true. My anger will be poured out on this place, and it will not be quenched. But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: You were sorry and humbled yourself before God when you heard his words. You humbled yourself, tore your clothes in despair, and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD. So I will not send the disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace.” Josiah’s repentant response averted immediate disaster. The question for us is this: How repentant are we about our failures before God?
