2 Chronicles 30
-Hezekiah, much like Jesus instructed (Matthew 22:9), sent
out people to the highways and byways all over Israel to bring them into the
great instituted celebration of Passover and Unleavened Bread at Jerusalem.
While most laughed the messengers to scorn and mocked them through the country
of Ephraim and Manasseh even as far as Zebulon, there were some who humbled
themselves before the LORD and came. “The hand of the LORD was also on Judah to
give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word
of the LORD (2 Chronicles 30:10-12).” “For if you return to the LORD, your
brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive
and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and
compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him (2
Chronicles 30:9).” By this time, Assyria had come and overtaken the Northern
Kingdom and led most into captivity. Judah was reaching out to the remnant that
was left with a saving gospel.
-The scene of revival was now taking place in Jerusalem.
Hearts were getting right with God and idols were being cast into the deep
Kidron Valley (2 Chronicles 30:14). Sacrifices were being made and sincere
repentance was in vogue. Consecrations were taking place, even forgiveness was
palpable in the midst of this worship of the King of kings. The LORD heard
Hezekiah and his intercession on behalf of the people and healed them (2
Chronicles 30:13-20). The people sang and celebrated overtime with great joy
with instruments day after day. Nothing had happened like this since the days
of Solomon in Jerusalem, and the priests arose to bless the people in the Holy
Spirit. Their voice was certainly heard and their prayer came to the LORD’s
holy dwelling place in Heaven (2 Chronicles 30:21-27).
-*Application* Wow, how we long for those times of intense
movement by the Spirit. There is simply nothing like when the emotion of a
gracious God when He sweeps over His people and all celebrate in true worship
and awe! To cultivate these occurrences this chapter gives us some vital
principles that we need to glean from. Notice boldness and courage to go out even
against a mocking spirit and stand for righteousness. Notice the repentance of every
heart in turning to the LORD, and how they were unified together under one Godly
purpose. Notice the joy that was evident and the unashamed celebration and worship
of the LORD with full conviction. Above all notice the love of the Sovereign and
how everything else just didn’t seem to matter in His presence. This is what awakening
and revival are all about! Cultivate the Spirit’s movement in your own heart and
community!
Verse to Memorize: 2
Chronicles 30:9
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