Could you take time to read the whole of chapter 29? It is a thrilling story with glimpses of the blessings that revival brought to Jerusalem. What did Hezekiah do first? He confessed Israel's sin (vv. 6, 7). That is still the starting point of blessing. Then he called in the priests and Levites and challenged them to serve the Lord. Look at verse 11 again, "My sons ... the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him and serve Him, to minister before Him." What a privilege! What a responsibility! Isn't our position exactly the same as theirs? God has chosen us to serve Him and to worship Him. We are not here to waste time. We are called to be active for Him. The Levites were called to special service as many others have been. Is the Lord looking for some of us to step into specialized ministry? How often does He have to call? The Levites (v.16) brought out all the unclean things found in the temple. They had to be gotten rid of in order to consecrate the place for God's worship. Doesn't the same apply to our lives? Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." It took time and effort but finally the day of re-dedication came. What a scene! There were the offerings but there was singing and instrumental music also. When blessing comes, praise is not far behind. The last verse of the chapter is so descriptive. "Hezekiah and all the people praised God for what He had brought about for His people, because it was done so quickly." When God's people confess their sin, recognize their position before God, and become obedient to Him, God will meet them right there. He is waiting to pour out His blessings onto those who fulfill these conditions. Where does that put us today? What is hindering our revival? |
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