Read 2 Chronicles 28
Highlights:
Ahaz's reign; Hezekiah's reign; Temple worship restored; Passover observed; confessions made to God.
Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us (II Chr. 29:10).
In the first month of Hezekiah's reign, he began the greatest religious reforms in Judah's history and wrought (did) that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God (31:20). Hezekiah restored worship in the Temple, removed idolatry, and proclaimed a national passover that exceeded all passover observances since the time of Solomon. He sent special letters to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, inviting them to keep this Passover. Hezekiah neither feared the reaction of King Hoshea of Israel nor the Assyrian kingdom that dominated them.
When we are faithfully serving God, there is no need to fear the world. Hezekiah was changing His world for God in a huge way. The efforts of this one man were turning a nation back to God. It was bringing a great revival not only in Judah but throughout the land. The Temple was filling with people who had not been there in years. People were turning away from the devil and back to God. It is no wonder that Hezekiah wanted to reach out to the unbelieving members of his family (Northern Kingdom of Israel). When God is on the move, the natural response is to want all those around to feel His wonderful presence.
Although many from the Northern Kingdom scoffed, some of them participated in that great Passover feast. This is the only record in 210 years of all the twelve tribes returning to Jerusalem to worship God. Many years had passed since those in Northern Israel had turned their backs from worshiping the true God of heaven. Sadly, this is what happens when the Law of God or the Word of God is forsaken. However, many hearts were stirred to return to that same Law or Word. By the bringing back of the Passover, it turned many hearts back to God. It brought to memory the history and happenings of old. The times when God had moved in such great supernatural ways were in their thoughts once again. For a time, God was the central focus for at least part of His people in the nation of Israel.
The importance we place on Christ — our Passover Lamb (I Cor. 5:7) — determines what we do with our time and effort. Christ makes our position clear: As My Father hath sent Me, even so send I you (John 20:21) — into homes, factories, office, and to all nations . . . Teaching them to observe all things (Matt. 28:19-20).
Thought for Today:
Consider telling someone today what great things the Lord has done for you.
Christ Portrayed:
By King Hezekiah who offered an intercessory prayer for every one That prepareth his heart to seek God (II Chr. 30:18-19). Jesus Christ our King, now seated at the right hand of God, intercedes in prayer for all who continue to seek Him (Rom. 8:34). Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Col. 3:1).
Word Studies:
28:3 Hinnom (Gehenna — translated as “hell” in the New Testament); 28:10 keep under, make slaves; 28:15 shod them, gave them sandals; 28:25 several, single; 30:6 posts, runners, couriers; 30:22 comfortably, encouragingly; 30:23 took counsel, agreed.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Tifany Edwards • Government Officials: Sen. Jerry Moran (KS) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX) • Country: French Guiana (168,000) on the northern coast of South America • Major language: French • Religious freedom • 85% Christian; 9.5% non-Religious/Other; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to bring our nation to repentance (I Kings 8:33-36).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 16
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Timothy 1:17
