Read 2 Chronicles 31:1-21
The celebration of our last reading seems to have overtaken the hearts of the people in Hezekiah’s kingdom. Once again, we see the Israelites destroying pagan shrines and altars. The people, who appear unified, are following King Hezekiah’s example of piety, or faithfulness to God.
Did you sense a calmness in the text? It’s as if reading about their harmony transcends time and encourages us still today. This is what a God-fearing group of faithful people looks like. Unfortunately, we’re hard pressed today to find such a group. Even within our churches we deal with division. I read a startling statistic just today that church attendance over all denominations is declining.
Just because we attend church doesn’t mean we’re being faithful to God. There are plenty of “lukewarm” believers filling our pews on Sunday morning. Their goal is to make their appearance, as if that checks off the box of piety for the week. Our faithfulness to God extends way beyond our church attendance. It’s how we live our life.
In King Hezekiah’s world, what do we see? People were serving in the ways they had been called by God. People were extremely generous in sharing. People were actively removing idols and distractions from their lives. There was such an abundance of blessings, it was surprising to even the king. Hezekiah was told by Azariah the High Priest, “The LORD has blessed his people, and all this is left over.”
I think of the time when Jesus fed the thousands of people listening to his preaching one day. What started with only a few loaves and fish, turned into a multitude of blessing with baskets left over. That’s how our faithfulness is often rewarded. Our blessings overflow.
It’s good to remember blessings aren’t always financial. Each beautiful sunrise or sunset is a blessing. Each moment of laughter is a blessing. Each new life brought into this world is a blessing. Each answered prayer is a blessing. When we focus more on being faithful and trusting God to rule our lives, the more those blessings start to appear. God blesses all his children, but it is the faithful ones who recognize the giver and the gift.
How do you respond to the blessings in your life? With gratitude?
How can we not be overflowing with gratitude for what the LORD has done for us? Not only do we have his Word to sustain us and help us grow, but we have grace. We don’t deserve the love and mercy God extends to us, but he gives it anyway. We’re still sinful, and yet we are loved. I’m beyond grateful for that.
Take some time today to reflect on what being faithful to God means to you.
Let’s pray. LORD, your faithfulness is infinite. You are trustworthy, and I devote myself to you. Help me to be strong in this world and stay true to you no matter what. Thank you for the encouragement in this text and Hezekiah’s leadership. Help me to be as focused on you as I lead in the capacities you provide. Thank you, too, for the clarity I find in your word to help guide my way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
