Podcast Introduction

Today is  History Tuesday. Our reading is 2 Chronicles 29-32. I’m calling today’s episode “Changes.”

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Comments on 2 Chronicles 29-32

Hezekiah was a remarkable king, wasn't he? 

His father was Ahaz, who reigned before him, and he was one of the most evil kings of Judah. If you've been listening along, no doubt you remember him and the heinous things he did, including sacrificing his own children.

That Hezekiah was such a good king is certainly noteworthy. As chapter 29, verse 2 says, "He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done." Bible commentator G. Campbell Morgan said of him, “His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah, probably the person mentioned by the Prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 8:2) as a ‘faithful witness.’ This possible friendship of his mother for the prophet, combined with the certainty that up to this time he had been under the influence of Isaiah’s ministry, may account for Hezekiah’s action on coming to the throne.” 

Whatever the reason for his devotion to following God, he was a welcome contrast to his father, wouldn't you say?

Think of the courage that was necessary for Hezekiah to reverse the course of Judah. Pagan altars, idols, and temples were destroyed. The bronze serpent that Moses had made in the desert (Numbers 21:9) was also destroyed, because the people had made it an idol (2 Kings 18:4). The temple in Jerusalem, whose doors had been nailed shut by Hezekiah’s own father, was cleaned out and reopened. The Levitical priesthood was reinstated (2 Chronicles 29:5), and the Passover was reinstituted as a national holiday (2 Chronicles 30:1). 

Instead of Hezekiah being cancelled, revival came to Judah. And God blessed him. 

Beloved, I believe that Hezekiah is a good example for us. He knew that his nation had wandered far from God under the leadership of his father, Ahaz. And when he had the opportunity, he boldly made the changes necessary to make things right. He even confronted the temple priests who had been entirely derelict in their duties. He told them to clean out the temple and sanctify themselves, the temple and everything in it. 

Each of us can do our part to make things right with God. We can pray daily for those in all levels of government. We can pray for our pastors, that they will have the courage to say and do what is right in the eyes of God in the pulpit. We can make our voices heard. 

We are called to be salt and light, beloved. Ask the Holy Spirit to give opportunities to make a difference. He will answer that prayer, guaranteed. Then when He does it, have the courage to follow His leading. Revival can begin today, beloved. It starts when God's people cry out to Him, and then have the courage to follow His leading.

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 29 ESV; Ch. 30-31 NLT; Ch. 32 NIV

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