April 20, 2024 - 2 Chronicles 29-32

So much turmoil.  So much idolatry.  So much unfaithfulness.  Then . . . “Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. . . . He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.  In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired them” (29:1-3).  Hezekiah confessed, “Our parents were unfaithful; they did evil in the eyes of the Lord our God and forsook him. They turned their faces away from the Lord’s dwelling place and turned their backs on him” (29:6).  And he declared, “Now I intend to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that his fierce anger will turn away from us” (29:10).

Hezekiah sets an example for us, whether as a nation or a family or individuals.  Much water was already under the bridge; the people had been sinning for a long time.  But Hezekiah was not of the opinion that “the die was cast,” it was too late, and there was nothing to be done.  With Hezekiah, we must remember that it is never too late to turn from unfaithfulness to God, to confess, and ask his forgiveness.  Hear Daniel as he prays:  “We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you.  The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him” (Daniel 9:8-9).  And the Psalmist:  “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5).

How blest are they who hear God’s Word

And keep and heed what they have heard!

They wisdom daily gather;

Their light shines brighter day by day,

And while they tread life’s weary way,

They have the oil of gladness

To soothe their pain and sadness.   --Johan N. Brun, 1786