1 & 2 Chronicles – Page 3

2 Chronicles 31:1-21 – Faithfulness to God

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.

2 Chronicles 30:10-27 – Celebrate God!

Read 2 Chronicles 30:10-27

What a celebration! I was holding my breath when Hezekiah made some ‘adjustments” to the rules in place regarding the Passover. But the LORD listened to Hezekiah’s prayer, and there was no punishment. Instead, people were healed, and many people celebrated Passover once more.

Hezekiah made a way for God’s name to be honored. Allegiance to God was restored because people remembered God’s rescue from slavery and provision in the wilderness. It’s important we never forget Jesus’s rescue mission for us.

2 Chronicles 30:1-9 – The Invitation

Read 2 Chronicles 30:1-9

King Hezekiah continues to want to bring honor to God. He is even “bending the rules,” to include more people. Hezekiah is doing his best to encourage more people to repent and return to God. He’s in the perfect position to exert his influence to make good things happen.

The celebration of Passover is approaching; and that is a big deal for Hezekiah and people following the LORD. From the sounds of it, Hezekiah’s plan is to bring all of Israel and Judah together to remember the miracle God worked in the lives of their ancestors.

2 Chronicles 29:18-36 – What a Worshipful Celebration!

Read 2 Chronicles 29:18-36

The Chronicler loves a good party, especially when it involves praising the LORD in worship. Great accomplishments had been made to restore the temple and prepare the place to receive offerings to the LORD. King Hezekiah appreciated the significance and seemed driven to please the LORD.

I may not understand all the purification rituals, but I do understand that we should always want to present ourselves well before the LORD. I suppose that’s why for generations people used to dress up for church wearing their “Sunday best.” Only the best for God!

2 Chronicles 29:1-17 – Who God Chooses

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.