Revival

Read 2 Chronicles 29-31
 
2 Chronicles 31:21 In all that he did in the service of the Temple of God and in his efforts to follow God’s laws and commands, Hezekiah sought his God wholeheartedly. As a result, he was very successful.
 
REFRESHING, isn’t it, to read of Hezekiah’s great, active faith for God? He follows the sinful Ahaz. God has replaced a sinner with a saint. Thank God for his grace to raise such a leader in Judah.
   Do you wonder what it is to seek God wholeheartedly? 2 Chronicles 31:1-20 gives us a good map. We learn first that Hezekiah held the festivals as prescribed in the Law of the LORD (verse 3). He then removed the idolatrous Asherah poles, smashed idols and organized the priests and Levites to lawfully offer sacrifices. This is similar to Moses destroying Israel’s idols in the desert, then instructing Levites to their priestly office. Hezekiah also instructed them to worship and give thanks and praise to the Lord at the gates of the Temple (verse 2.) Isn’t this a beautiful thing? How simple it is to seek God wholeheartedly.
   Hezekiah cared for the priests, too, as God commanded. Imagine a pastor or church leader requiring its members to bring an offering of goods to the pastor. I know we do bring our offerings. But many of us don’t like the word “required”. One sad constant truth of the church globally is to believe that giving is an option to be done at our convenience. Church members must be wholeheartedly engaged with ministry, even with tithes and offerings. Hezekiah was representing God’s voice to Judah.
   Then we see the joy of God’s people responding: 2 Chronicles 31:5 The people of Israel responded immediately and generously by bringing the first of their crops and grain, new wine, olive oil, honey, and all the produce of their fields. They brought a large quantity – a tithe of all they produced…7 They began piling them up in late spring, and the heaps continued to grow until early autumn. The generous giving and distributions is a sign the Jews were one community. They were living in the abundance God promised he would give them when they obeyed him wholeheartedly.
   This entire passage demonstrates a leaders’ power to direct people to God when he is wholeheartedly with God. God raised Hezekiah to revive his people to a blessed relationship with the I AM. These are the types of leaders we must pray for and support. We must be this type of leader.
   Hezekiah’s rule in Judah is another chapter in the people Israel’s history when the LORD God blessed them. With hearts and minds set toward God, they enjoyed the peace and prosperity God desired they would know. God wants his people’s whole heart. Here they have given it. Here they rejoice and are glad.