Sat.’s Devo - Hezekiah’s Reform

Read: 2 Chronicles 30:1-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15 Hezekiah invited all of Judah and Israel to come celebrate the Passover with them. They were going to have the celebration a month later than usual since there were not enough priest sanctified earlier. They sent runners to most of the land and letters to Ephraim and Manasseh on the east side of the Jordan. They called the people back to the Lord and most of the people scoffed at them. But, many of them from the tribes of Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. Judah, as a nation returned to the Lord. The fathers who had not sanctified themselves let the priests offer their lambs. Hezekiah prayed for them to be cleansed and the Lord heard his prayer and cleansed the people. The people celebrated for seven days and enjoyed it so much, they continued another seven days. The people who attended from Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim and Manasseh went home renewed and cleansed their land of their idols. Hezekiah announced how much it would cost the people to restore the Temple and keep it in operation and the people gladly gave. They gave both tithes (what was required) and offerings (what they wanted to give above the tithe). They gave so much that Hezekiah had to have treasury rooms built to hold the offerings. Hezekiah’s reign was so blessed and successful because he put the Lord first and honored him with all his heart. In Romans, Paul commended those who served the ones who were was. He made a declaration that his ambition had always been to preach the Good News to anyone who would hear it. Lord, may that be our declaration to preach your Good News to anyone who will listen.