I was reading 2 Chronicles 30-32 in the Bible last night. It’s a
fast-paced story of the impact Hezekiah (who became King of Israel
at only 25 years old) had on that nation, many years after David was
King.
Hezekiah was a man with a plan of action. The church was dysfunctional
when he came on the scene, so he opened and repaired the church, got the
leaders reaquainted with their roles, and got the spiritual leadership of the
nation operating properly again.
Once the church was in order, Hezekiah reminded the nation how much misery
they had experienced since they turned away from God. Having set the example,
He told the people to come and do the same, and get themselves right with God.
“And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because of what God had done for the
people; for the thing had come about suddenly.”
When some of the people didn’t quite follow all the rules of the church,
Hezekiah prayed God would pardon them, because their hearts were right – and
God heard their prayers and healed the people. At this point, the event had
become a 7-day church party, and they were so happy they decided to extend
the party for another 7 days. THOSE CHURCH PEOPLE COULD PARTY!
And God was hearing their prayers.
Some enemies of Israel came to attack after the church had come alive, and
“[their enemies] spoke of the God of Jerusalem as if he were like the gods
of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of human hands.”
Dead gods don’t hear, heal, love, forgive, save, comfort, guide, or defend
their own name. But God saved Israel from their enemy, and gave them rest
on every side. Read it to believe it.