Word of God is never boring . . .

 

READ 2 Chronicles 29–32

History was not a favorite subject in school, but I realized later that boring textbooks were the reason. Years later, our daughter brought her well written textbook home. It was far more interesting.

Today I note more interest in OT history, not that the writing has changed, but that God is showing me practical ways it applies to my life. For instance, when the OT kings did what God wanted, their lives were clearly a blessing to themselves and others.

Ahaz was not a good king, but his son Hezekiah did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. Note that the Word points to David rather than Ahaz. For those with abusive parents, try looking farther up the family tree; comfort might be there!

Hezekiah began his reign by opening and repairing the doors of the house of the Lord. He told the Levites to consecrate themselves and clean out the filth in it and get back to the duties they had been entrusted to do. (29:5–11) The priests did as they were told. Sacrifices were brought and made as atonement for all the nation. These offerings were accompanied by singing and music and “when the offering was finished, the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshiped . . . . Thus the service of the house of the Lord was restored. And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because God had provided for the people, for the thing came about suddenly.” (2 Chronicles 29:29–36)

Then the decree went out that the people should keep the Passover to the Lord, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem, for they had not kept it as often as prescribed. Hezekiah said:

“For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9)

Some laughed at the decree and mocked the messengers, but others “humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord.” (30:10–12)

Many of the people had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover anyway because Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, “May the good Lord pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the Lord, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary’s rules of cleanness.” And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people, producing immense joy in Jerusalem. “Since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.”

After that, they destroyed the high places and altars of idolatry. Then the people of Israel gave abundant tithes of everything they had. (31:1-5)

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered. (31:20–21)

Then the Assyrians decided to attack. Hezekiah stopped the water from the springs, restored the broken wall, raised towers and built another wall, and made weapons and shields in abundance. He set combat commanders over the people and spoke encouragingly to them:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. (32:6–8)

The Assyrians tried to thwart them with lies and blasphemy, speaking about God as if He were like their gods (who were merely the work of man’s hands) but “Hezekiah and Isaiah the prophet cried to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warriors and commanders and officers in the camp of the king of Assyria.” He went home in shame where his sons killed him.

Hezekiah ended life with pride of heart but “humbled himself” and averted the wrath of the Lord. His “good deeds” are recorded here and in Kings for my instruction as Romans 15:4 says, to give me endurance and encouragement. Obedience to God results in blessing. This is grace. My sin deserves nothing from God, yet in mercy, He changed my hard heart and gives me the Holy Spirit — good news that what was once boring and uninteresting is now practical, helpful, even fascinating. I love You Lord and thank You for revealing in so many ways that following You is the very best way to live.