Read 2 Chronicles 28 – 30
Highlights:
Ahaz reigns in Judah; Syria (Aram) and Israel defeat Judah; death of Ahaz; Hezekiah’s reign; worship restored in the Temple
And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the LORD, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the Temple of the LORD into the court of the house of the LORD. And the Levites took it, to carry it out abroad into the brook Kidron (2 Chr. 29:16).
Hezekiah was one of the kings of Judah who followed the Lord most closely. The desire of his heart was to turn the nation of Judah back to the Lord. The people of Judah experienced a season of being obedient to God under the leadership of Hezekiah.
One of his first acts was to open the house of the Lord. It was in much need of repair. God's Word relates that Judah had good kings and evil kings. During the reign of evil kings, the house of the Lord was not taken care of and would often fall into poor condition. At times, it would even be used for pagan worship. It is clear godly spiritual guidance was needed. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15).
Therefore, Hezekiah called together the priests and the Levites. He challenged them to sanctify themselves for the service of the Lord. He then commanded them to clean up the house of the Lord. He wanted any evil thing removed from it. From this verse, it is clear they followed his directions.
It would be said how shameful it was to use the house of the Lord for such evil purposes. Many point fingers at those that promoted this vile practice. It should be noted that this happens today quite a bit in our own society.
It would be easy here to turn the discussion to our own selves. The Spirit of the Lord dwells in the hearts of believers. Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Cor. 3:16). Thus, if our bodies are the Temple of God we need to be aware of preventing evil from entering our lives.
This also applies to our places of worship and the body of Christ, which is the church. They should be guarded against the infiltration of the ungodly. There are those who would seek to tear apart the work of God by any means at their disposal. Pastors need to protect their churches by not surrendering their pulpit to just anyone. Be on guard who you place into any office from Sunday School teacher to treasurer to deacon. We are to, try the spirits of the world (1 John 4:1).Try those individuals by the Word of God and protect your house and people from falling into the state of Hezekiah's day.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock (Acts 20:29).
Thought for Today:
Turning away from sin in our lives always brings us back to a right relationship with our Creator and therefore into His blessings.
Christ Revealed:
By King Hezekiah who offered an intercessory prayer for every one That prepareth his heart to seek God (2 Chr. 30:18-19). Jesus Christ our King, now seated at the right hand of God, intercedes in prayer for all who continue to seek Him (Rom. 8:34). Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Col. 3:1).
Word Studies:
28:3 Hinnom, (Gehenna, translated as “hell” in the New Testament); 28:10 keep under, make slaves; 28:15 shod them, gave them sandals; 28:25 several, single; 30:6 posts, runners, couriers; 30:22 comfortably, encouragingly; 30:23 took counsel, agreed.
Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to bring our nation to repentance (1 Kings 8:33-36).
Optional Reading: 1 Corinthians 16
Memory Verse for the Week: Psalms 119:157