Following

O. T. #988  "Following"
May 24, 2017
2 Chronicles 31-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

King Hezekiah reopened the Temple, reestablished the sacrificial system, and removed the pagan idols in Jerusalem and Judah. Some Israelites joined them in the Passover celebration, which lasted 14 days instead of 7 days. The priests and Levis were active in their duties. There was great joy in the city. Hezekiah required the people of Jerusalem to bring their tithe with a portion of their goods. They were so faithful in doing so that the storerooms in the Temple were overflowing. There was so much that they distributed gifts and food allotments to the families of the priests.
As King Hezekiah handled the distribution throughout all Judah, as details are mentioned in this chapter, doing so pleased the LORD and was good in the sight of his God. This king did what was good, right, and true before the LORD.

What was the last thing we did for another that could be considered good, right, true?
I helped an elderly lady fix her plate of food, carried it to her table, and afterwards put it in the trash. It was the first time I had met this elderly lady, but she had no one helping her and I was glad to do so. Opportunities to serve will come our way if we have our servant eyes and ears open. Do it for the glory of God and we will receive a blessing.

LET IT GROW

I couldn't wrap up this chapter without mentioning verse 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.

We read of the results of the king's faithfulness to God, how he was rewarded by God, and how he prospered.

Hezekiah clung tightly to the Lord, faithfully following Him and obeying His commands. As a result, the Lord was with him and gave him success. He relied on the Lord as his exclusive hope in every situation. (MacArthur)

His is an example of intensity and urgency for believers everywhere: to follow what God has commanded with devotion. (David Jeremiah)

Are we following God's commands? Are loving Him with wholeheartedly? Are we loving our neighbor as our self?

LET IT GO

Love God wholeheartedly.

Serve Him with faithful devotion.