Return

O. T. #985  "Return"
May 19, 2017
2 Chronicles 29-30:9

LET IT GLOW

I recall the days when we lived a 6 hour drive away from our families. It was such a joyous time when our family returned home for a visit to spend time with our parents and siblings. Also, when we were able to join our friends in worship services at our hometown church. Judah's king sent an invitation to Israel to join them in the Passover celebration. Israel had strayed away in idolatry. Join me as we read more of this situation.

Judah's King Hezekiah reopened the Temple for worshiping their God, since his father Ahaz had gone into idol worship.. The priests cleaned everything and the Levites began sacrifices and offerings unto the Lord again. In the Old Testament the sacrificial system was the way God appointed in order for sinful people to approach Him and have their relationship restored with Him.

The Levites played instruments and sang songs of praise unto their Maker, with the psalms of David as he did.
Verse 29 and 30 tells us Then the king and everyone with him bowed down in worship. So they offered joyous praise and bowed down in worship.

Now that is down-on-the ground humility. Why have we lost this, it seems, in our churches? Are we a people so proud and self-sufficient that it is beneath us to yield to God in such a way? In our church we have prayer benches in front, but only a few folks use them and every now and then. In order to use it, one has to bend their knees in an act of humility in prayer before the Lord. If a king of the great nation of Judah can bow his knees to God in worship, why can't we?

LET IT GROW

In verses 6-9, we read of King Hezekiah sending messages to Israel inviting them to join them in worship in the Temple as they celebrate the Passover of the LORD. Those letters said:

• Let us return to the Lord so He will return to us.
• Do not be like your ancestors.
• Do not be stubborn, but submit yourselves to the LORD.
• Come to the Temple that He has set apart as holy.
• Worship the Lord God so His fierce anger will turn away from you.
• If you will return, your relatives and children will be treated mercifully by their captors and they will be able to return to their land.
• For the Lord is merciful and gracious.
• If you return to Him, He will not continue to turn His face from you.

Is God calling for us to return to Him, wholeheartedly? God is indeed merciful and gracious. He waits for His children to return to Him in worship. He is a Spirit so we worship Him is spirit and in truth. He can already see into hearts.
Who do we need to love back to Jesus? Perhaps mistreatment from others has caused them to stray or unfortunate circumstances in life. Ask Him how we can help them return.

LET IT GO

Bow before God and worship Him in joyous praise and songs.

Love others to Jesus so they return to Him in repentance and worship.

Serve Him with gladness.