Hezekiah Part 1: The Chronicles of Judah
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Day 1 | Isaiah 46-48
Day 2 | 2 Kings 19
Day 3 | Isaiah 49-51
Day 4 | Isaiah 52-53
Day 5 | Isaiah 54-55
Day 6 | Isaiah 56-58
As you read:
How does reading poetic prophecy challenge me? What do I appreciate about it?
Where do I see God in these passages? How does it point me towards the gospel?
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Lord, I know reaching one more is not about the work I can do, but what you’re already doing. Show me how you are working and give me boldness to move with you.
In our journey through 2 Chronicles, a powerful theme emerges: kings and leaders come and go, but the Lord remains. This truth, reinforced throughout the chronicles, is a call to trust not in fragile systems like government, military, or economy but in God, who reigns above all. We’re focusing on King Hezekiah, a leader who stands out for his bold decisions and commitment to spiritual renewal, despite inheriting a kingdom marred by brokenness and idolatry.
A Fresh Start: Opening the Temple Doors
Hezekiah took the throne after his father, King Ahaz, who had closed the doors of the Lord's temple and led the nation into spiritual darkness. In a bold and immediate response, Hezekiah opened those temple doors, signaling a fresh start and committing his reign to restoring worship. His decision to worship God rather than repeat his father’s mistakes shows us that no matter our background, we can break the cycles of the past and choose a new path.
For many of us, the lives we inherit may feel like they’re in ruins. Hezekiah’s story reminds us that even in ruins, we can find a foundation for restoration. Where others saw remnants of past failures, Hezekiah saw an opportunity for revival.
A Call to Family: Reuniting the Divided Tribes
Hezekiah’s reign also included a bold invitation to all tribes of Israel to come together for Passover. Reaching beyond his kingdom, he extended an invitation to the scattered tribes of Israel, even those conquered and displaced by Assyria. This was an invitation to unity, and while some mocked, many others joined together in Jerusalem to celebrate as family.
In a divided world, Hezekiah’s actions remind us to reach out across divides. We are called to unity and grace, especially toward those we might consider distant or different. Sometimes unity means offering grace, even to those who may initially resist. Who in your life could use a fresh invitation to reconnect?
Hezekiah’s Legacy: Three Critical Lessons
Hezekiah’s life highlights three important lessons for us:
We Can Break Cycles: If you’ve inherited a legacy you’d rather leave behind, you don’t have to repeat it. Hezekiah’s decision to worship and trust God despite his father’s example offers hope. You can make a fresh start, trusting God to give you the strength to overcome patterns of sin and brokenness.
Faith is Personal: Just as Hezekiah couldn’t rely on his father’s faith (and likely didn’t want to!), neither can we. Each of us has a responsibility to choose our path and seek God for ourselves.
Unity Over Division: Hezekiah invited everyone, even those once considered enemies, to join in worship. This kind of unity calls us to bridge divides, seeing others as family rather than factions.
In closing, Hezekiah’s story reminds us that with God’s help, we can break cycles, build new habits of faith, and extend grace to those around us. As you reflect on his legacy, consider where you might need to start fresh, reach out to someone distant, or embrace the opportunity for a new beginning. The God who was with Hezekiah is with us, offering strength to break old patterns, choose faith, and build a future grounded in love and grace.
Blog adapted from November 3, 2024, message by Minister Mark Ashton
