Fri.’s Devo.- A Time of Joy

Read: 2 Chron 30:1-31:21, Ro 15:1-22, Ps. 25: 1-15. Pr. 20:13-15 Since the observance of the Passover in the first month was done so hastily and many were not able to come, Hezekiah wanted to do it again the second month and invite the people in the whole kingdom. He sent out men with letters throughout Israel and Judah to tell them to turn back to God and come serve the Lord at the Passover feast. Some of the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Zebulun laughed and mocked them, but many people humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. They had a huge crowd who enjoyed a time of sacrificing, giving, feasting, worshiping God in song and hearing the Word preached. The people were filled with joy and God was pleased. Psalms 25 could have been their prayer. I remember an old Amy Grant song that said, “When the world sees you change, don’t expect them to applaud.” Hezekiah went against the flow of the land to turn back to God. Some people got on board, but others laughed and made fun of him. We will always face opposition, persecution and rejection when we follow God. But we have to be like Hezekiah and set our heart to worship God and not get upset with those who don’t approve. Following God is the only course that brings true joy. Paul admonishes us in Romans to have patience with those that are weaker in faith and build them up. We are to be one in our worship to God. He gave us a great prayer to pray for people in verse 13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us to abound in hope and be filled with joy and peace through the power of the Holy Spirit.