Read 2 Chronicles 29:1-17
King Hezekiah wasted no time in setting his kingdom up for success. It’s like he went on a rampage to cleanse the LORD’s temple. After seeing how his father had ruled Judah the wrong way, Hezekiah wanted to make sure to do it right and see the LORD was honored.
Do you think the Levites and priests were surprised? If they were, they sure acted quickly. They listened to the king’s instructions and followed the proper procedures according to God’s law. In only sixteen days, the temple was restored.
It was refreshing to see how the new king took charge. Perhaps Hezekiah had been dreaming about the day he would be named king. He had watched his father flounder, but it’s possible Hezekiah had memories of his grandfather, Jotham’s faithfulness to the LORD during his reign.
Hezekiah knew he needed to have his spiritual leaders on board. To make sure, he offered this encouragement. “But now I will make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us. My sons, do not neglect your duties any longer! The Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him, and to lead the people in worship and present offerings to him.”
To hear those words, “The Lord has chosen you,” must have really resonated with the Levites because we read that they “got right to work.” Why do we often question who God has chosen for certain roles in his kingdom? Maybe we think we can do a job better. Maybe we think we know someone’s motivations and doubt they’ll succeed. God knows all.
When Jesus chose his disciples, he gathered quite a diverse group. If it wasn’t for that motley crew who took their mission seriously, the Christian movement would not have gotten off the ground. They, too, got right to work.
What about you? What as God called you to do? You know he has gifted you in some special way. Are you using those gifts to honor the LORD and further the work of his kingdom? Maybe King Hezekiah’s words spoke to your heart, and you don’t want to “neglect your duties any longer.”
We read the Levites to care to listen to the king and follow the LORD’s instructions. That’s good counsel for us, too. We can listen to our King Jesus. He told us to go and make disciples. Of all the duties on earth, that is the one that brings the LORD honor and secures a future of salvation for each person who follows Jesus.
Ask God how you can use your gifts to bring the gift of salvation to another.
Let’s pray. LORD, it’s always refreshing to see people using the gifts you’ve given to glorify you. In this reading, we see strong leadership coming from King Hezekiah and obedience from the Levites. May I be a good role model like that for people you bring into my life. I look to you to open up the opportunities to share my faith and help others see you like I do. Prepare them as well to receive my message. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
