Tag: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
Priorities to obtain God’s blessing!
Scripture reading for May 1st: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
Today we find our country in economic turmoil and moral collapse. We find many of our children leaving the path of the Lord and going into captivity in the world system of humanism and self-gratification. Many churches are losing members and there are few young families in attendance. But the times we live in are not new!
This was the case 2700 years ago in Judah under King Hezekiah. The wrath of God was poured out on the nation because they had forsaken Him! Many had fallen to the violence of that day. Women and children were in captivity and the nation was in terror and fear. (2nd Chronicles 29:8-9) King Hezekiah began to set things in order. His plan of action was to order priorities for obtaining the blessing of God again. The first step he took was to reopen the doors of the the temple and repair it’s doors. (2nd Chronicles 29:3-6) He brought in the priests and Levites and had them consecrate themselves first and then they began to cleanse the temple. They removed all defilements from King Ahaz and restored the utensils and furniture that he had removed.
The next thing Hezekiah did was gather all the leaders and renew the covenant with the Lord by sacrifice. Sin must be confessed and atoned for with blood sprinkled on the altar. (2nd Chronicles 29:24) The king and the people sang and worshiped as the sacrifices were being offered. The Levites played and led the singing. The people bowed and worshiped and offered themselves with joy and gladness! The work was completed quickly!
Is your life in turmoil and your family in captivity? Is your temple in disrepair? Begin by removing the clutter and idols and turn to the Lord in humble repentance. Consecrate your life to the Lord again and establish a regular pattern of worship. Claim the blood of Jesus Christ to atone for your sins! He can do a “quick work” in your life too! May God’s blessing and joy be restored!
Miracles, Prosperity, and Pride
Scripture reading for May 1st: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
King Hezekiah was another godly king of Judah who did much to be commended for. God blessed him greatly with wealth and prosperity and gave him guidance through the prophet Isaiah. The record of his life in these last few chapters of Chronicles tells of both the good and the bad. One of the lessons of his life is that miracles and prosperity carry a hidden danger of pride which can cause one’s downfall.
Hezekiah saw some great miracles. He began his rule by restoring the Temple of the Lord which had fallen into disrepair because of neglect. When finished, he and the people celebrated with a huge offering and God was pleased. (2nd Chronicles 29:36)“Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly.”
Hezekiah restored the Passover celebration and encouraged the people to give their tithes. They obeyed and brought in such an abundance from their fields and flocks that the priests had plenty. The Lord greatly blessed the people of God for their obedience. This was another miracle brought about because of obedience and seeking to follow the Lord.
Hezekiah also witnessed a great deliverance from Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He laid siege to Judah and Jerusalem. Hezekiah stopped up the Gihon spring and supplied the city with water internally as they looked to the Lord for help. God answered their prayers and Sennacherib’s army was destroyed and withdrew! What a miracle! (2nd Chronicles 32:20-23) Hezekiah’s final miracle occurred when he became ill and was told that he would die. He cried out to the Lord and God granted him another 15 years. God gave him a sign that was incredible–the shadow of the sun moved backwards! (2nd Chronicles 32:24) (2nd Kings 20:11) His near-death experience happened because his heart had become proud!Hezekiah was tested again by God withdrawing from him to test his heart. (2nd Chronicles 32:31) Hezekiah showed the envoys from Babylon all his riches and vast holdings. This was very prideful and unwise and led to God’s judgment in Judah being proclaimed. Riches and honor and the miraculous do not keep us on the right track. Our hearts must guard against Satan’s trap of pride! God is concerned with what is in our hearts more than what we own!
Priorities for success!
Scripture reading for May 1: 2nd Chronicles 29-32
The times we are in are not new. There is nothing new under the sun, according to Solomon. Today we find our country in economic turmoil with banks failing, foreclosures mounting in the housing sector, and the job market shrinking. We find many of our children leaving the path of the Lord and going into captivity in the world system of humanism and self-gratification. Many churches are losing members and there are few young families in attendance. What is behind all of this? The anger of the Lord has been poured out on our nations because we have forsaken Him and left Him out of our lives!
This was the case 2700 years ago in Judah under King Hezekiah. The wrath of God was poured out on the nation because they had forsaken Him! Many had fallen to the violence of that day. Women and children were in captivity and the nation was in terror and fear. (2nd Chronicles 29:8-9) King Hezekiah began to set things in order. His plan of action was the setting of priorities for success and the blessing of God again. The first step he took was to reopen the doors of the the temple and repair it’s doors. (2nd Chronicles 29:3-6) He brought in the priests and Levites and had them consecrate themselves first and then they began to cleanse the temple. They removed all defilements from King Ahaz and restored the utensils and furniture that he had removed.
The next thing was to gather all the leaders and renew the covenant with the Lord by sacrifice. Sin must be confessed and atoned for. Sin brings death so in their case, animals had to die on their behalf. The blood was sprinkled on the altar. (2nd Chronicles 29:24) The king and the people sang and worshiped as the sacrifices were being offered. The Levites played and led the singing. The people bowed and worshiped and offered themselves with joy and gladness! The people brought thank offerings and sacrifices for themselves. This work was done quickly because God had brought it about through a godly leader, Hezekiah!
If you find your life in turmoil and fear and your family in captivity, the plan of Hezekiah might work well for you. Is your temple in disrepair? Is it cluttered with idols and remnants of the world system? Begin by removing the clutter and idols and turn to the Lord in humble repentance. Consecrate your life to the Lord again and establish a regular pattern of worship. Claim the blood of the last and only perfect sacrifice to be sufficient to atone for your sins! Jesus Christ has done all that is needed to cleanse your temple and cover your sin! He wants your life to be marked by joy! He can do a “quick work” in your life too! These ancient words from Hezekiah are as true today as then! May you have great success!