Today’s passage: 2 Chronicles 30:1-27
Helpful thoughts:
- The recipients of these letters Hezekiah sent out included Israelites from the northern tribes. This was after the Assyrians had conquered the northern nation.
- In order to worship the Lord, the people first had to throw away all the altars that were built for idolatry. Repentance means a change of mind and a turning which results in changed actions. The old idols had to go.
- Part of that repentance was evidenced by the Levites doing their duties “According to the Law of Moses.” (Verse 16) They submitted themselves to the Word of God.
- These two weeks consisted of praise, humble confession, offerings, teaching and learning the Word of God, and the fellowship of God’s people. Being done with a sincere heart, the people didn’t want it to end.
- They had been starving. Nothing like this had been seen since Solomon’s reign (Over 215 years earlier).
- Praise God for the regular gathering of the church. Come and encourage others to come with you!
Questions to consider:
- What were the various responses from those who received the invitation to repent and draw near to the Lord in repentance (Verses 10-11)? What did those couriers have to endure in order to extent this invitation and also see the fruit they did? Was it worth it?
- Why did Judah respond in unity the way they did (Verse 12)? Who brings about true revival? How could/should this affect our prayers for our own growth and the salvation of those we love?
- Why did Hezekiah need to pray for atonement in verses 17-20? What was the criteria of those whom God would apply the atonement requested? What would be the results of a person committed to seek God with their heart (Would they continue to follow God without learning how to worship Him)? How would these truths apply through the gospel to the Christian today?