REVDANS

February 29: 2 Chronicles 30

Joyful Celebration!

NOTE: This is the last entry for the 60 Days of Praying for Revival. I will continue to post entries two or three times a week, but if you want to follow them, please subscribe to this blog. I will not be flooding The Southern Methodist Church FB page or Prayer for The Southern Methodist FB page with posts. If you have found that thinking with me about Scripture has been helpful, I will be glad to have you on this journey with me. I will continue to pray for revival until it comes.

What a wonderful way to end the 60 Days of Praying for Revival. This is how we would want our journey to end, just as they did in the days of Hezekiah.

The Backdrop for Celebration (30:1-12)

The occasion for the celebration was the preparation to host a grand Passover celebration in Jerusalem. King Hezekiah sent letters to all Israel and Judah to come there  to the celebration. Passover was one of the most important of the Feasts of the LORD. These were, as Leviticus 23 points out, what God calls “My feasts” and were to be celebrated “as a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places” (Leviticus 23:14). This was one of the three feasts that the men of Israel were required to attend. We have lost the significance of these feasts, not only for Israel, but for all the children of Abraham, who by faith in Jesus Christ, inherit the promises and enjoy the fulfillment of many of these feasts.

They quickly realized that they could not celebrate the feast at the appointed time, for the priests had not consecrated themselves and the people had not had sufficient time to arrive. Hezekiah circulated a proclamation and sent letters and couriers to deliver them and they would celebrate the Passover in the second month rather than the first as prescribed.

The invitation went thus:

“The couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes, even according to the command of the king, saying, “Sons of Israel, return to the LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, that He may return to those of you who escaped and are left from the hand of the kings of Assyria. “Do not be like your fathers and your brothers, who were untrue to the LORD God of their fathers, so that He made them an object of horror, just as you see. “Now do not stiffen your neck like your fathers, but yield to the LORD and enter His sanctuary which He has consecrated forever, and serve the LORD your God, that His burning anger may turn away from you. “For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your sons will find compassion in the presence of those who led them captive, and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”” (2 Chronicles 30:6-9, NASB)

We should not be surprised that there were many who laughed at the invitation and mocked the couriers. These hard-hearted souls had forgotten the faith that had sustained them throughout their history, but there were some who “humbled themselves” and came to Jerusalem.

“The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 30:12, NASB)

When a large number of people had gathered in Jerusalem, they immediately began to remove what remained of idolatrous worship. The priests and Levites had consecrated themselves, because they were ashamed of their laxity. They faced many in the assembly who were not consecrated to participate in the celebration, so they worked hard to prepare the people for the feast.

“For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim and Manasseh, and Issachar and Zebulun, had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. For Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the good LORD pardon everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” So the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.” (2 Chronicles 30:18-20, NASB)

They had not followed the prescribed rules concerning the Passover celebration, but they were sincere in their desire to worship their God and He forgave them and accepted their worship.

The rest of the passage is marked by the joy the people experienced in the celebration. They celebrated “with great joy” and “praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments to the LORD” (verse 21). They decided to celebrate another seven days, “so they celebrated the seven days with joy” (verse 23). “And all the assembly of Judah rejoiced” (verse 25).

“So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. Then the Levitical priests stood and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven.” (2 Chronicles 30:26-27, NASB)

February 27: 2 Chronicles 29

Revive Us, Again! —Revival under King Hezekiah

Hezekiah’s reign in Judah is covered in four long chapters, indicating that his rule holds a significant place in Judah’s spiritual history. Here are some of the summary comments provided by major commentators on this section of Scripture. They give a good overview of the situation facing Hezekiah and his role in the revival that took place under his leadership.

We are here entering upon a pleasant scene, the good and glorious reign of Hezekiah, in which we shall find more of God and religion than perhaps in any of the good reigns we have yet met with; for he was a very zealous, devout, good man, none like him. In this chapter we have an account of the work of reformation which he set about with vigour immediately after his accession to the crown. —Matthew Henry Commentary

Hezekiah, the pious son of the godless Ahaz, recognised that it was to be the business of his reign to bring the kingdom out of the utterly ruinous condition into which Ahaz had brought it by his idolatry and his heathen policy, and to elevate the state again, both in respect to religion and morals, and also in political affairs. He consequently endeavoured, in the first place, to do away with the idolatry, and to restore the Jahve-worship according to the law, and then to throw off the yoke of subjection to the Assyrian. These two undertakings, on the success of which God bestowed His blessing, form the contents of the history of his reign both in the books of Kings and in the Chronicle; but they are differently treated by the authors of these books. In the book of Kings, the extirpation of idolatry, and Hezekiah’s faithfulness in cleaving to the Lord his God, are very briefly recorded (2Ki 17:3-7); while the throwing off of the Assyrian yoke, which brought on Sennacherib’s invasion, and ended with the destruction of the Assyrian army before Jerusalem, and the further results of that memorable event (the sickness and recovery of Hezekiah, the arrival of a Babylonian embassy in Jerusalem, and Hezekiah’s reception of them), are very fully narrated in 2 Kings 18:8-20:19. The author of the Chronicle, on the contrary, enlarges upon Hezekiah’s reform of the cultus, the purification of the temple from all idolatrous abominations, the restoration of the Jahve-worship, and a solemn celebration of the passover, to which the king invited not only his own subjects, but also the remainder of the ten tribes (2 Chron 29-31); and gives merely a brief summary of the chief points in Sennacherib’s invasion, and the events connected with it (2 Chron 32). —Keil & Delitzsch Commentary

Hezekiah, who is discussed in this chapter and the next three chapters, is the God-fearing son of an ungodly father. By the providence of God, he has escaped that his father sacrifices him to the idols (2Ch 28:3). In Hezekiah we have a wonderful example of a revival. He shows the energy of faith, while in a later revival under Josiah in the last chapters of 2 Chronicles we will see a deep respect for the Scriptures. —KingComments

The history of Hezekiah is a striking example of revivals that have also taken place in the history of Christianity. But it is not so much an example of a revival which is about the conversion of sinners, but about the conversion of Christians, of lukewarm, sleepy Christians who are awakened again. We see these revivals in the reformation of the sixteenth century and the revival of the nineteenth century. In the reformation of the sixteenth century the emphasis is on the preaching of the Word of God. We see that, in picture, especially with Josiah. In the revival of the nineteenth century the emphasis is on the worship of the Father and the Son because of the work of the Son on the cross. We see that, in picture, especially in Hezekiah. —KingComments

We should consider the revival under Hezekiah as a model for revival in our times.

February 26: 2 Chronicles 27-28

Will We Never Learn?

King Jotham followed his father, Uzziah. His good rule is summarized in the nine verses of 2 Chronicles chapter twenty-seven. The following verse sums it up rather nicely.

“So Jotham became powerful because he directed his ways before the LORD his God.” (2 Chronicles 27:6, NASB)

Following this account, we find that under the leadership of Ahaz, their king, Judah returns to the sins that had brought about devastating consequences so many times before. God has been faithful to His people through all of these ups and downs. When they strayed, He sought to bring them back to Himself. When they returned to Him, He forgave them and restored them. But another generation would face the same question: Will we serve the LORD or will we forsake Him? This is the question that faces our generation, too. Revival becomes necessary when God’s people forget His blessings and forsake His ways.

What caused Ahaz, Jotham’s son, to turn away from the faith of his fathers and turn against the LORD we are not told. What we are told is that he followed the detestable practices of Israel’s rulers. He practiced idolatry, sacrificed his sons, and advanced rampant idolatry across the land.

Because of this, God allowed Aram to deliver a devastating defeat to Judah. He also allowed Israel to issue a humiliating defeat. He lost his son in battle. In the following passage (28:9-15), we find Oded, an otherwise unknown prophet, protesting the practice of Israel to retain prisoners of war from Judah, because they were brothers. The result was that the prisoners were clothed, cared for, and returned to Jericho (Ryrie). Even the Northern Kingdom of Israel sometimes listened to the LORD’s prophets and obeyed. This accentuates the level of disobedience practiced by the Southern Kingdom.

Then the Chronicler records a series of attacks meant to get the attention of Ahaz and the people.

“For the LORD had humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had brought about a lack of restraint in Judah and was very unfaithful to the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 28:19, NASB)

 Ahaz had sent to the kings of Assyria for help (verse 16). However, when Tilgath-pilneser, king of Assyria, attacked him rather than helping him, Ahaz had to take treasures from the house of the LORD and from the palace to seek to pay the Assyrian king off. It didn’t help. In an effort to find help wherever he could, he became more unfaithful by sacrificing to the gods of Damascus which had defeated him. His rationale is stated:

“For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, and said, “Because the gods of the kings of Aram helped them, I will sacrifice to them so that they may help me.” But they became the downfall of him and all Israel.” (2 Chronicles 28:23, NASB)

 He cut up the utensils in the house of God and closed its doors. He made altars for himself in every corner of Jerusalem. He kept pushing idolatry so that it spread throughout the land.

This is what happens when people turn away from the LORD. Rather than being satisfied with the secular, they seek to fill the spiritual void in their lives with ever increasing forms of idolatry and wickedness. Such times cry out for REVIVAL!

February 25: 2 Chronicles 26

How Obedience and Disobedience Can Affect One’s Life

Everyone wants to be successful and to know what it takes to be successful. There are a plethora of resources designed to help one achieve success. All you have to do is go to a bookstore, a library, or browse online and you will find them. Yet, when we look at the Scriptures, we find that being successful in God’s eyes is very simple indeed. Uzziah, the king of Judah, illustrates this through his life. The most important principle for success in life is to seek the LORD.

“He sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God; and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him prosper.” (2 Chronicles 26:5, NKJV)

How did God prosper him?

• God helped him defeat the Philistines, Arabians, and Meunites, who were enemies of Judah (verse 7).
• He became very strong, received tribute from the Ammonites, and found his fame extending to the border of Egypt (verse 8).
• He built up fortifications to ensure the security of his realm (verses 9-10).
• He invested in the food sources for his realm (verse 10).
• He made sure that a prepared and trained army was ready to protect the realm (11-13).
• He invested in armaments, war engines, fortifications, and weaponry (verses 14-15).
• In all of these efforts, God was prospering him in his rule.

We must sadly note that one act of flagrant disobedience left Uzziah with consequences that he had to deal with the rest of his life. Uzziah was a young man of 16 when he became king. His reign of 52 years is long compared to most of his predecessors. He was able to accomplish many things because God made him prosperous. As is often the case, this prosperity caused him to become proud and haughty in his position as ruler. It only takes one act of foolish behavior to leave lifelong consequences in its wake. I am sure that you can think of many examples of people whose rash choices left disastrous results they are still living with.

“But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the LORD his God by entering the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16, NKJV)

Azariah the priest along with eighty other priests opposed Uzziah’s usurpation of his authority, by moving out of the role as king to act as a priest (verses 17-18). While the priests were seeking to bring Uzziah back to reality, leprosy broke out on his forehead while he stood beside the altar of incense (verse 19). Because of this act of rebellion on the part of Uzziah, he had to seclude himself as a leper for the rest of his life, unable to serve as king and unable to enter the house of the LORD (verses 20-21).

Think of these Scriptures:

“Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the LORD blessed him. The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous;” (Genesis 26:12-13, NKJV)

“Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.” (Deuteronomy 29:9, NKJV)

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”” (Joshua 1:7-9, NKJV)

February 24: 2 Chronicles 25

Tragic End to a Godly Beginning, Part 2

Could this be déjà vu all over again? When Amaziah, Joash’s son, takes the throne at 25 years of age, he sets his heart to do right, but “not with a whole heart.” This calls into question his whole character. Can half-hearted commitment be any better than no commitment? Possibly, but only temporarily. The end result is that half-hearted commitment won’t last.

“The root idea of the Hebrew word translated ‘perfect’ [loyal in the NKJV] is being whole, complete. Imperfection of heart consists in incomplete surrender. Some chamber of the temple is retained for selfish purposes. What it was in the case of Amaziah we are not told, but the fact remains that notwithstanding the general direction of his life… the whole heart was not set on doing the will of God.” (Morgan)

Amaziah establishes his rule and then executes judgment on those who took his father’s life. We are told that he acted within the bounds of the law by not executing their children (verse 4). He also began to build an army. In doing so, he hired mercenaries from the northern nation, Israel, to help him. A man of God warns him not to align himself with Israel, because of their faithlessness. He reminds Amaziah that, no matter how many men he thinks will prevail, “God has power to help and to bring down” (verse 8).

Amaziah questions the prophet concerning his dilemma. He has already paid for the mercenaries’ help. If he releases them, he pours 100 talents down the drain, so to speak. The answer is simple: whatever you lose by obeying the LORD, He will more than repay for your obedience (verse 9). Amaziah obeyed and was blessed for his obedience (verse 11), but he also finds that his poor decision of hiring mercenaries has consequences. They become disgruntled and start raiding and plundering the cities of Judah (verse 13).

Sadly, Amaziah decides to bring back some of the idol gods that were worshipped by the very people God had allowed him to destroy. Why would he think that those gods, who were unable to deliver their people from him, would have the power to help him? A prophet is sent by God to tell him as much.

“Therefore Yahweh’s anger burned against Amaziah, and he sent to him a prophet, who said to him, “Why have you sought after the gods of the people, which have not delivered their own people out of your hand?”” (2 Chronicles 25:15, WEB)

This is still a relevant question. Why do we turn to people, activities, and things that have not provided the fulfillment that we have sought and craved from them? Why do we think that more of the same will finally fulfill us? Our modern idols (technology, pleasure, drugs, celebrity-worship, fame and fortune) are powerless to provide the satisfaction, purpose, and peace that we seek.

Amaziah shuts God’s prophet down and the prophet retorts:

“…I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my counsel.”” (2 Chronicles 25:16, WEB)

In his pride Amaziah challenges the king of Israel to battle. Israel’s king taunts Amaziah with a proverb. He challenges Amaziah to back off and avert destruction. Amaziah would not listen and the Chronicler notes that it was because this “was from God” (verse 20). Of course, Judah was defeated by Israel. Amaziah was captured, the wall of Jerusalem was tore down for about 600 feet (verse 23). The defeat brought the loss of wealth as well (verse 24). Although Amaziah lived 15 years after the death of the king of Israel, yet from the time that Amaziah turned away from the LORD, a conspiracy was being planned to remove him. He was killed and buried with his father. His end resembles that of his father, who also had forsaken the LORD.

“”And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing soul, for “Blessed are those who keep his reminders, who seek him with their whole heart.” (Psalms 119:2, UASV+)

Jehovah searches all hearts and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.” (1 Chronicles 28:9, UASV+)

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!” (Psalms 119:10, UASV+)

“Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.” (Psalms 119:34, UASV+)

February 23: 2 Chronicles 24:17-27

Tragic End to a Godly Beginning

Life is not static. People change. Those who were once in the depths of depravity come to the light and are changed into godly men and women. And sadly, those who were once walking in the path of light, goodness, and truth turn away from that path and walk into darkness. We cannot assume that who a person is today will be true years into the future. Death and taxes may be certain, but a person’s character is not fixed. This is illustrated in the life of Joash.

The godly leadership and influence of Jehoiada the priest did not last. After his death, officials from Judah came and gave advice to Joash that led them to abandon the house of the LORD and return to idolatry. That advice is not given to us, so we can only speculate. The cost of this Temple maintenance project is too expensive. People are so focused on this spiritual project that the service to the nation is neglected. How is this benefitting us? It’s just a sink hole for finances we could use elsewhere. Who knows what they said? We do know, however, that Joash listened to them. At one time, Jehoiada had his ear, but now he gives ear to godless counsel and counselors.

God was not willing to ignore their sin. His anger rose up against their sin and guilt. In His mercy and grace, He sent prophets to warn the people and call them to repentance. The people refused to listen. So, the Spirit of God energized Zechariah the son of Jehoiada (or more likely, his grandson—see Matthew 23:25) to present a powerful call to repentance (verse 20). A conspiracy against Zechariah ended in his death by stoning in the court of the Temple. What a contrast to the former days when Joash and the people enthusiastically sought to restore the Temple under Jehoiada’s leadership. Now, they kill his son (grandson) at the very place where Jehoiada conducted his faithful ministry.

“Thus Joash the king didn’t remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son. When he died, he said, “May Yahweh look at it, and repay it.”” (2 Chronicles 24:22, WEB)

How tragic that Joash forsook the godly path he had walked with Jehoiada. How sad that he forgot all that Jehoiada had taught him and all that he had been blessed to experience under the leadership of Jehoiada. How unbelievable that he could turn on Jehoiada’s own son and murder him in the Temple court.

Finally, how tragic was the end of Joash’s life. A small number of Arameans defeated his large army, because they had forsaken the LORD (verse 24). Joash was left wounded and very ill, and rather than taking care of him, his own servants murdered him while he lay in bed. He was not given the honor of being buried in the tombs of the kings (verse 25).

Application

“But the righteous will live by faith. If he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”” (Hebrews 10:38, WEB)

“let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, WEB)

“But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for God’s Kingdom.”” (Luke 9:62, WEB)

February 22: 2 Chronicles 23:16-24:16

Godly Leadership Is Powerful and Effective

Two things strike me immediately. Joash was seven when he became king. He was very young. Who can imagine the challenge a seven-year-old would have leading a nation? The second thing that strikes me is that he had a very long rule, forty years. Jehoida the priest took little Joash under his wing and helped him move into this role of leader. He became a trusted confidant of the king. Jehoida even chose his wives for him. We note that Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD, but we also note the qualifier.

“And Joash did what was right in the eyes of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest.” (2 Chronicles 24:2, ESV)

We will later learn that when Jehoida dies, Joash goes off the rails and turns completely against the family of Jehoida. Yet, while Jehoida lives and serves him, Joash rules wisely and even godly. He sets his heart on restoring the Temple and its worship. (24:4)

The first thing he did was secure the commitment of the people by making a covenant that they should be the LORD’s people (23:18). They go about destroying the house of Baal, breaking the altars and images, and putting Mattan the priest of Baal to death.

He then reinstituted the service of the Levites “to offer the burnt offerings of the LORD.” There was rejoicing and singing (23:18). He enabled following of the law concerning uncleanness. Peace and rest finally reigned.

“So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet after Athaliah had been put to death with the sword.” (2 Chronicles 23:21, ESV)

He sent the priests and Levites through the kingdom to collect money for the repair of the house of God annually. He instructed them to move quickly on this, but for some reason, they failed to act quickly. When he discovered this, he summoned Jehoida and challenged him to follow through with the project.

The text informs us that the people responded joy and generosity. They gladly supported the project to restore the house of the LORD (24:10-11). The sons of Athaliah had broken into the house of God and desecrated the holy things in the worship of Baal (24:7). The king also made sure that the workers who repaired the house of the LORD were compensated fairly and that skilled workers were secured (24:12-13). The money that remained was used to make the various utensils and items for use in worship (24:14). The faithful, consistent offering of sacrifices continued throughout the life of Jehoida (24:14). [Concerning the zeal of Joash to repair the Temple, read 2 Kings 12:2-13].

We come to the end of Jehoida’s life and ministry (24:15-16). He was the ripe old age of 130 years old when he died. He was honored for his long and faithful service to Israel and to God and His house by being buried in Jerusalem among the kings (24:16). What a wonderful example of living well and finishing well.

February 21: 2 Chronicles 22:10-23:15

God Works in Hopeless Situations

Once Athaliah realizes that her son, Ahaziah, is dead, rather than grieving the loss, she makes a move to secure the throne for herself. She thus destroys all the royal offspring she can find (her grandchildren!). Because of Jehoshabeath the king’s daughter and her recognition of what was transpiring, Joash the son of Ahathiah was spared. Jehoida the priest took Joash into his protective care. He hid and raised Joash in the house of God for six years.

The 23^rd chapter of 2 Chronicles describes how Jehoida strengthened his leadership and planned a coup to place power in the rightful ruler, Joash (verse 3). He gathered the priests, organized them, and issued weapons. Joash was crowned king. When Athaliah learned of what had happened, she cried “Treason! Treason!” Here, the illegitimate ruler who only gained the crown through deceit, conniving, and murder, cries foul when the real ruler is recognized and crowned.

Jehoida garnered the loyal support of the priesthood and the people and, not wanting to slay her in the house of the Lord and thus desecrate God’s house, they seized her, took her away, and put her to death.

We are reminded again that God is sovereign, has a plan, and works His plan. Even when it seems that evil has triumphed and all hope is lost, God works in the small details (sometimes behind the scenes) to accomplish His will and His work. Why do we fret?

“ Of David. Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.” (Psalms 37:1-9, ESV)