Restoration

O. T. #984  "Restoration"
May 18, 2017
2  Chronicles 29-Part 2
Then the Levites went to King Hezekiah and gave him a report... 2 Chronicles 29:18

LET IT GLOW

Isn't it a relief to read about a good king in Judah? The priests probably felt that way, also. Judah had a hard time, I think. They had endured 16 years of the bad King Ahaz, but 29 years of a good king Hezekiah; then 2 bad kings followed for the next 57 years with Manasseh and Amon as kings.

Hezekiah brought restoration of the Temple worship, revival of worshiping God in Judah, renewal of the sacrificial system, and rededication of the Temple of the LORD. This king took a public stand for God. We see it as he had the defiled things (idols) removed from the Temple by the priests. It took 8 days for this to be accomplished in just the outer courts, then it was carted off  to the Brook of Kidron. which is east of Jerusalem. So it took an entire 16 days to complete the task. After the cleansing, the Levites were allowed to enter the walls of the holy places.

Hezekiah's  restoration of true Temple worship as practiced in the time of David and Solomon produced great joy (verse 36). (MacArthur)

If you have become inactive in Christian service, either by choice or by circumstances, look for the opportunities to serve (and listen to the "Hezekiahs") that God sends your way. Then, like the Levites, be ready for action (verses 12-15). (Life Application Study Bible)

Are we ready to do whatever cleaning it takes in order for restoration? It may be physically removing things that have become idols in our life, or it may be spiritual hindrances. Isn't it always good to have a time of inventory, removal, and cleansing. I think that is when revival comes to us.

LET IT GROW

Verses18 and 19 tell about the cleansing of the entire Temple-the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, the table of the Bread of the Presence with its utensils. They recovered all the items discarded by King Ahaz, which were purified, placed in front of the altar of the LORD, and ready for use. These thins were reported to King Hezekiah, who wasted no time in gathering the city officials he next day. They brought animals for the sin offerings and the priests performed the sacrifice on the altar of the LORD.

Shh, do you hear it? Is the Holy Spirit calling for a cleansing of the soul, admitting our sins, asking forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. That is how John the Baptist described Him. When we do, then our relationship with God will be restored like the people of Judah. Peace and joy will be restored as it was in Judah. Our God is so merciful!

LET IT GO

Repent and return to God.
Seek revival and restoration.