A BIT CLUMSY, BUT GOOD. 2nd Chronicles 30 When something important has been overlooked for years by people, it takes several attempts and some effort to restore it to its proper state. Before finishing his first year as king, Hezekiah understood the importance of celebrating the Passover again to unite the people of the Lord in a meaningful, yet unforgettable way. Therefore, an invitation was sent out "from Dan to Beersheba" to all twelve tribes of Israel. Likely driven by a sincere desire for all God's people to be reconciled to Him, this young king humbly worked to lead the people to "turn again to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel" so that He would "return to the remnant of you."
Some Israelites from the northern kingdom remained in their land after the Assyrians conquered it. Assyrian control over the northern kingdom wasn't established all at once; instead, they used a strategy of mixing people of different nationalities and cultures to prevent unity and rebellion. However, some Israelites remained scattered across various tribal areas.
There was a strong desire in the heart of this new leader to bring change to the lives and conduct of God's people. Perhaps it was with a sense of hopefulness that Hezekiah and the princes wrote letters to be sent to every city throughout Israel, from the north to the south, urging all twelve tribes to submit to the Lord and His word, and to come together in fellowship to observe the Passover in Jerusalem as God intended.
Hezekiah transcended the divisive spirit among all the Israelites to reach the hearts of God's people through one of their greatest shared bonds: the celebration of the Passover. This celebration began in Egypt, the night they were all freed as a united group from bondage. When his invitation to come to Jerusalem for the Passover was extended to those in Ephraim, Manasseh, and Zebulun, some people had become so idolatrous that they mocked the idea of coming together to worship God and remember the Passover. Two hundred years of division had severed them from any sense of being part of one nation descended from Abraham.
The invitation was inclusive rather than divisive, addressing a united people. There was common ground regarding Passover because, despite current divisions, they were originally one nation that had been delivered from slavery in Egypt. Passover was intended to be observed at the place where God had chosen to put His name, not at a location convenient for the people. A small remnant from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun repented, humbled themselves, and traveled to Jerusalem. God gave them and the people of Judah “one heart” to do what they were instructed by the Lord through their leaders. That hope still lives among many Jewish people today - "Next year, Jerusalem!"
The writer of Chronicles was undoubtedly aware of the need for the newly freed captives from Babylon to be united in every aspect to restore the testimony as a chosen nation. But most importantly, he would have recognized their need for a shared spiritual life to revive and preserve their unique identity. In recounting this major event in the first year of Hezekiah's reign, he made sure that the spiritual commitment of God's people was given top priority in the story. He included the words of the invitation and highlighted the need for purification before the celebration could take place.
Any genuine return to God will follow a similar path. Devotion to God in a leader, combined with a sincere desire for the spiritual well-being of all God's children, will resonate with the people, and they will usually strongly support what this kind of leader promotes. When sincerity and authenticity are clear in those who care for and lead God's flock, the saints who love the Lord will naturally follow their guidance.
Stubbornness can prevent people from doing what is right. It can hinder the usefulness of a believer's life and deprive many of genuine joy due to the stubbornness of one person. Conversely, submitting our mind, will, emotions, and body to the Lord enables us to be guided by the Holy Spirit into all truth. God wants His people to come to Him and does not want to turn away from them because of their stubbornness and rebellion against Him.
"What think ye of Christ, is the test. That tries both the state and the scheme. You cannot think right in the rest, Until you think rightly of Him."
It's common for those promoting spiritual growth, repentance, forsaking sin, renewal, and recovery to face mockery and ridicule. Adverse reactions to true faith and revival are expected. Still, it is crucial for believers who know God and trust Him to remain steadfast, stay strong, and not be influenced by those who are uninterested in divine matters. Though few may rally for revival, any effort is valuable, so we should continue reaching out with the Gospel to sinners and with sound biblical teaching to believers, regardless of how far they've strayed. Keep the invitation to come open.
Hezekiah's mind elevated above human thoughts to think like God. Many from the northern tribes of Israel responded with mockery and scorn, while others humbly came to Jerusalem. They might have remembered the Feast of Passover, which signified their redemption, and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which represented the holiness of life that should follow. Consecration involves removing everything that pollutes or blocks spiritual growth.
The enthusiasm and zeal of the people inspired the priests and Levites to take action. The people's interest and passion were greater than those of the priests and Levites, and it embarrassed them that they did not share the same heartfelt concern and interest.
God's people need the strength and vitality of committed believers willing to step outside their comfort zones and inspire others to take meaningful action. United fellowship has a contagious influence. Demonstrating contagious Christianity encourages others to listen to the Gospel. It also means that preparation for remembrance involves cleansing from impurity and permanently removing anything that would make worship inconsistent with the reality of one's Christian life. Obeying all of God's Word to gather in the right place and sanctify ourselves because of remembering the sacrifice made for us shows a renewed dedication to God.
At that Passover, impurity prevented them from observing the feast on the fourteenth day of the first month. However, the law allowed for the Passover to be observed a month later under certain circumstances. Therefore, Hezekiah acted within the boundaries of scripture when the feast was held in the second month at the start of his second year as king. Although some had not completed the ceremonial cleansing required, they still gathered with the intention of reconnecting with God. Hezekiah's prayer to God on their behalf demonstrated his genuine trust in the Lord and faith in God's promise to provide healing. In his prayer, he acknowledged that the Lord is full of compassion, grace, and mercy when people move beyond ritual to a genuine commitment to the Lord, His word, and a seeking heart. Faith and obedience take precedence over rituals and forms.
The Lord's people reading this account would be impressed by the fact that trusting God with the heart and having honest motives of devotion are more important than outward forms of religion and ritual. An effort made by one of God's children for the welfare of His people, so they might "turn again unto the Lord," demonstrates spiritual maturity. "Great gladness" in believers results from obedience to God. Likewise, the gathering of God's people at a conference can encourage believers from all the places that attend. The lasting benefits of fellowship and learning will be evident from week to week; each person was convinced that their way was right, of a consistent walk with God, and a maintained testimony.
Right after revival comes restoration—a feeling of God's presence becomes alive. Although many have fallen away, a significant number still remain. Years and generations have passed since holy things felt so real. The time has come for the people to come together so that our spiritual lives can be healed. We can’t compromise the commands of God; those things can never be changed. But our approach to our brothers and sisters can be sufficiently rearranged, so that we can come together in unity and do things God’s way. With an open Bible and the instructions read, it is only right to do what He says.
It would be wonderful if only a few from here and there returned to do what God said. There would be humility and grace, compassion and faith, as we follow the Holy Spirit. The “Passover Feast”—the reminder of our Lord is kept alive, and everyone would know that God was among us in restoration whenever the time came to go.
For two hundred years, division had taken hold, and such a Passover had not been observed. Bitterness of spirit reigned; each person was convinced their way was right until the invitation was extended. Some answered the call to come, while others stayed home and mocked, missing the blessing that was to come. Then, for just two weeks after a sudden revival, a restoration finally began.
God accepts the sacrifices we make based on the amount given. Prayer is offered, and praise is lifted up, both reaching directly to heaven. It would be a joy to see such restoration as we all submit to God’s will. The common factor is the Person who blesses and the blessings that flow from Calvary’s hill. Is it possible today for such restoration to happen if people return to the place of His name? In the past, it occurred when people returned to where they had strayed. Now, I’m not referring to a specific physical location, but if people would return to the Lord, they would find restoration consistent with the truth of His Word.
In this place of contentment, I harbor no resentment toward those who chose to leave. But it would bring great joy if some girl or boy who was once saved here returned to share in the blessings and responsibilities of those who keep the feast. If they come back in faith, I believe they would discover the wonder of experiencing His peace. I wonder if some would be willing to return to what they left. I know it’s pretty unlikely, but I do believe in restoration, and it would bring great joy if it were to happen. They would experience the joy of God’s salvation and restoration, leading to a sincere commitment to God and His Word.
"GOOD AND RIGHT AND TRUTH." 2nd Chronicles 31 Those who gathered at the Passover feast had a completely different understanding when they left that "conference." They knew what idolatry did to people, and the people made it a point to rid the nation of Judah of idols, groves, high places, and everything contrary to God's will. For two hundred years, idolatry had claimed the lives of those in Israel and likely many in Judah as well. Dealing with idolatry and apostasy that had controlled the minds and lives of the Israelites required radical action that left nothing of idolatry behind.
Even the brazen serpent Moses made in the wilderness, known as Nehushtan, had become an idol to the people. The effect of anything that occupies most of our thoughts and activities can quickly turn it into an idol. The only way to move from chaos to order in religious and spiritual life is to eliminate anything that has the potential to become an idol.
Idolatry consumes thoughts, motivation, time, and possessions, asserting control over people's lives. Modern-day idolatry is just as harmful and wrong as it was during the times of Chronicles. The only way we can deal with it is to reject, oppose, and refuse to be involved in anything that replaces God in our lives.
Another positive outcome of the gathering and the fellowship they shared was that God's people began supporting those called to spiritual service, including the priests and Levites. All the people set aside a portion of their income to meet the needs of those serving God. There needed to be order restored in the priesthood, and support for the priests and Levites was clearly defined, leading to the institution of tithing.
The motivation behind these major changes was that Hezekiah led the people in renewing all aspects of national and religious life. He "did what was good and right" because he remembered God's ongoing compassion for His people; he persisted despite being mocked and scorned by those who rejected his invitation to the feast; he removed the idols, high places, and evil influences; he interceded for the people when they failed; he was open to worship from the heart; and he was a generous contributor to the Lord's servants.
Good leadership can inspire interest, but for change to be effectively implemented and maintained, God's people must respond, get involved in the work, and understand their essential role in God's mission. This fosters a sense of ownership and dedication to the current situation. Purification from impurity, celebrating God's blessings, and ongoing worship will help God's people stay personally motivated and united. Everyone can contribute in many ways, meeting needs through the provision of material goods, financial support, and voluntary time.
A common challenge in any work is that initial enthusiasm often fades over time, resulting in grudging contributions without joy. Faithfulness in leaders fosters faithfulness in their followers. Generosity in giving by some inspires others, who hear that "God loveth a cheerful giver." A leader can clearly communicate expectations, but it is their consistent example that truly brings about change.
Due to the change in support, the priests could concentrate on their priestly duties and maintain the sacrificial system as God commanded. The same was true for the Levites, who were responsible for caring for the temple, guarding the gates, and supporting the worship of the people. They also led the singing and the public worship and praise offered to the Lord. Hezekiah restored the entire worship system by returning to God's word for guidance and applying principles of order and decency based on the Scriptures.
The king led by giving of his resources, just as David and Solomon had done hundreds of years earlier. The writer of Chronicles shared all of this with the returnees so they would understand what was expected of them and how things should be done. Their response to the Lord was not only to rebuild but also to establish order in worship and to preserve the practices that set them apart from other nations.
Those involved in new work and other outreach activities beyond the local assemblies have greater financial needs than those who travel as teachers and preachers from one assembly to another. Taking on financial responsibility by the Lord's people greatly encourages those laboring in the great harvest field. Sometimes, reviewing the history of those who have gone before us can serve as the needed incentive for the current generation to respond to present needs.
To start a project like Hezekiah did, "as soon as the commandment [became known]," will inspire personal interest among many of the Lord's people, and they will want to be part of something positive that is moving forward. The surplus "heaps" were not wasted; they were stored for future use when needed. No one who had a right to this bounty was ignored or overlooked—whether they were children or families—all who had responsibilities related to divine matters or were connected to those who did were provided for. The entire recovery process began with the revival, starting with the king personally.
When God's people worship, they feel motivated to contribute to the work as an act of worship and as a sign of their gratitude to God. The Lord's people are happiest when they see a meaningful project they are involved in making progress successfully. When someone is fully committed with all their heart, there is no room for competing claims for allegiance from any other attraction. Following wholehearted commitment to God brings contagious joy that many people recognize. One influential person can make a significant difference to many people. From that person's heart, it extends outward to those around them, and soon revival occurs in many, leading to a return to the Lord.
Spiritual prosperity is essential in a life of faith. Disobedience leads to correction, while obedience and seeking God bring prosperity. A heart for God, obedience to Him, and dedication all contribute to a full and meaningful life with a positive impact. Everyone affected by someone who loves "the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself" will find spiritual blessings that surpass anything seen in other ways.
He took responsibility; that was his role. People recognize when there's a work in a leader's soul that changes things and makes them come alive. And life becomes a joy, not a struggle to survive. There is a living example everyone can see. The leader has a vision, and he's not living just for "me." And it is obvious that God has claimed his heart. Each one can then see they also have a part.
What can I do? Do whatever you can! You are serving God when you serve others. Remove everything that is wrong, and then do what you know is right. You will find the burden God has given is not heavy but light. Things will come into your heart, your mind, and your hand. Opportunities are all around—grab them while you can. You will realize there is more than enough to share. When you take what you give, much more is returned. Like one of old who did "good and right and truth," you will find treasures of unmatched value all around you. When you give what you can, and then give a little more, you will see God add more than enough from His endless store.