“Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became the king of Judah, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. 2 He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight, just as his ancestor David had done.” 2 Chronicles 29:1-2 NLT
“In the very first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple of the Lord and repaired them. 4 He summoned the priests and Levites to meet him at the courtyard east of the Temple. 5 He said to them, “Listen to me, you Levites! Purify yourselves, and purify the Temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. Remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary. 6 Our ancestors were unfaithful and did what was evil in the sight of the Lord our God. They abandoned the Lord and his dwelling place; they turned their backs on him. 7 They also shut the doors to the Temple’s entry room, and they snuffed out the lamps. They stopped burning incense and presenting burnt offerings at the sanctuary of the God of Israel.” 2 Chronicles 29: 3-7 NLT
“Then these Levites got right to work :From the clan of Kohath:
Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah.
From the clan of Merari: Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel.
From the clan of Gershon: Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah.
13 From the family of Elizaphan: Shimri and Jeiel.
From the family of Asaph: Zechariah and Mattaniah.
14 From the family of Heman: Jehiel and Shimei.
From the family of Jeduthun: Shemaiah and Uzziel.” 2 Chronicles 29:12-14 NLT
Lord God,
Meanwhile in the Kingdom of Judah King Hezekiah’s reign meant a return to worshipping You, Lord God and restoring those things which reminded the people of Judah you are a God who deserves worship all day every day. So they reopened the Temple and restored the lamps (Menorah) the burning of the incense (holy to the Lord) and the offerings. I read through these chronicles and my heart lifted as I saw that one man, who was also a King, could have such an effect on all those around him.
One man who was also the King of Kings had an effect on those around Him. He did not have the support of his people. Actually he had only 12 men and a handful of women supporting him. But at the outset king Hezekiah had only 14 Levites (Priests) but they got right to work. How encouraging. You always choose to start with those who are willing to answer the call. We know from Old testament history and New Testament history the glorious outcome when faith and works meet.
Thank You for Your faithfulness to Your people through history and for Your faithfulness to us, in sending Jesus. Thank You for the faithfulness of those Levites turning back to You and the faithfulness of the disciples. It sometimes seems awesome and overwhelming to realise we have been called to serve too. Will we be like the Levites and get right to work? Be our help and our guide and our encourager so we will not falter by the way.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Wednesday 23rd July 2025
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
But “I know Whom I have believed
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His word
Wrought peace within my heart.
Chorus
I know not how the Spirit moves,
convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
Chorus
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noon-day fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or “meet Him in the air.”
Chorus
Lyrics: Daniel Webster Whittle
Verse not included:
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.