2 Chronicles 29 – 32
King Hezekiah is the subject of these chapters. Like most kings who do good in the eyes of the Lord, as we will see he eventually falls short. Verse 29:3 opens with him restoring the temple:
In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the LORD and repaired them.
I find it interesting that the temple system went into such a state of disrepair. Here the people of God just drifted away from His laws. They refused to acknowledge His existence or worship Him. They did realize there was a greater power, but searched other places for that power.
People tend to consider Christianity and Judaism the same thing, chasing after something that doesn’t exist based on a lack of knowledge. At the same time as I explore for truth, I find it all points to God. When all is said and done we will all find the truth, it’s just what our state will be with God that’s the concern.
Verses 30:19 & 20 show results of the effort:
19 who sets his heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary’s rules of cleanness.” 20 And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.
Here King Hezekiah in a rush breaks some rules to celebrate Passover. It shows the monumental task he took deciding he was going to reopen the temple. It didn’t just require repairs, but priests needed to be consecrated before they could perform sacrifices. Also, the sheer number of sacrifices required to atone for the sins of the people was enormous. King Hezekiah knew it was wrong, but did it anyway and asked for forgiveness.
The Lord granted his request and knew his heart was in the right place. It kind of reminds me of an old saying; “it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” We do this often in our lives with God; we push the envelope of His will for our lives. I know for the longest time I honestly believed it was my “destiny” to return the “family fortune”. The depression crushed our family’s wealth and created a hole that has been slow to even start digging. I have no idea it that is God’s will in my life, but I constantly would “help” God playing the lottery and waiting for Ed McMahon to appear with my check.
At the same time if I would have followed God’s 10/10/80 plan from the start we would have at least a larger portion that the debt hole we are in now. It’s all about following the will of God and knowing when it’s right to push the envelope. In King Hezekiah instance leading the people back to the Lord allowed for a few short-cuts.
Verses 32:25 & 36 have the King slipping up:
25 But Hezekiah did not make return according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore wrath came upon him and Judah and Jerusalem. 26 But Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD did not come upon them in the days of Hezekiah.
And notice when he sees the errors in his ways, he makes a quick correction and repents. That is what God is wanting from us. He knows we cannot walk this world perfectly like his Son, but we can fix things before they get out of hand. That is why Jesus said lust is just as bad as adultery. If we allow those feelings to take over our thoughts the more difficult it is to correct the action. Often thoughts become actions and sever damage is done. If we can stay on top of our sins and truly repent our lives would follow God’s will greater than drifting.