2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21
We followed the incredible story of King Hezekiah’s spiritual revival,
which started in Jerusalem and then spread to all of Judah. He reopened the
Temple, which had not only been neglected but had been packed full of shrines,
altars, and statues of false gods. He purified and reinstated the Levitical priesthood.
He ordered the recommencement of all the Mosaic festivals, beginning with the
Passover, and challenged the people to recommit to giving offerings and sacrifices.
The King had singlehandedly rescued the nation from an impending judgment and
led his people to honor the Lord again.
All I could think while reading this incredible story was that finally
someone got it right! Someone connected Judah’s terrible situation to their unfaithfulness
to God. In Hezekiah’s charge to the Levites, he said, “Our ancestors were unfaithful
and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord our God... That is why the
Lord’s anger has fallen upon Judah and Jerusalem. He has made us an object of
dread, horror, and ridicule... But now, I will make a covenant with the Lord,
the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us” (29:6, 8).
This revival warrants our close attention, for in it are some
principles that I think are helpful for us. First, we
cannot escape the truth that one person can make a huge difference. Yes, Hezekiah was
the king, but we had seen many kings before him sway the people in the wrong
direction. Hezekiah simply used the platform that God had given him to glorify
the Lord instead of himself. He was determined, even at the age of 25, to make
a difference for God in his sphere of influence.
Second, conviction is contagious. It is clear that Hezekiah had some
outstanding teachers in his life, perhaps parents, prophets, or priests. Whoever it was, he
caught a zeal for the Lord and transferred it to everyone around him. He gave
an impassioned speech that inspired the priests and Levites to get right with
the Lord. He sent out letters to the people, to call them back to God. “In all
that he did in the service of the Temple and in his efforts to follow the law and
the commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly” (31:21). He had a heart
on fire!
Third, personal example is powerful. Hezekiah took it upon himself to
make a covenant with God, in order to turn His anger away from the people. He
led others to bow before God and worship, pray, and give offerings; and, he led
others to thank God for their success. He was easy to follow, because he was a
good example of what a God-follower should look like.
Daily Reflection
What other principles did you find in Hezekiah’s revival? What else
inspired you from his story?
Don’t ever fall for the lie that you are only one person. That is the enemy
trying to keep you down. There are many examples of God using one to change
many. God can and will use you to do great things. All you need to do is surrender
to Him and say yes to where He leads.
Did you notice that before Hezekiah reached the kingdom, he started
with his city; and before he reached his city, he started with a small group. A
spiritual awakening can begin when you influence those around you and inspire
them to inspire others. Don’t underestimate what God can do with a zealous heart!
BiAY.org | Day 182 — 183 Days to Go
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