Many articles today tell us that Serena William’s father started coaching her in tennis as soon as she could hold a racket and hit the ball over the net. They practiced for hours every day in their inner-city Los Angeles neighborhood court. Toss and hit, toss and hit, toss and hit. Serena and her sister grew in skill and notoriety because of their father’s diligence in training them. So much so that Serena’s family moved to Florida for her and her sister to attend a special tennis school, where they trained six hours a day, six days a week, for four years. Focus and diligence led Serena Williams to win twenty-three Grand Slam singles titles and to become, some say, the greatest female athlete of all time.
Diligence helps us achieve lofty goals. We see this truth also in the life of King Hezekiah. He was raised by his mom, Abijah, whom we can assume diligently saw to the training of her son to know the ways of the Lord—because when he takes the throne, He’s ready to return Israel to worshiping Yahweh (2Chronicles 29:1–2).
In his first month of kingship, “he opened the doors of the LORD’s temple and repaired them” (v.3). In the following months, he gathered the priests and the Levites and petitioned them to consecrate themselves and the temple (vv.4–5). He also established the service of the Lord’s temple (v.35) and sent couriers to invite Israelites to observe the Passover (2Chronicles 30:1). Along with celebrating the Festival of Unleavened Bread (although imperfectly), the Lord accepted their worship (v.27). In addition, King Hezekiah oversaw the removal of idols (2Chronicles 30:14,31:1), re-established the divisions of priests and Levites, and set up offerings to support the Levites in their work so they could devote themselves to the law of the Lord.
Hezekiah diligently served the Lord, and the Spirit used him to reshape the nation’s heart to worship Yahweh. And I wonder, how can we diligently serve the Lord like Hezekiah in our corner-office chair, or the soccer field, or neighborhood?
I think we can follow his example by diligently doing what is right—and doing first what we ask others to do. King Hezekiah brought out of his possessions the offerings for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings, the offerings of the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts—before he asked others to contribute (2Chronicles 31:3–4). He only asked others to go where he was willing to go first.
What is the work God has given you today? Maybe it’s diligently answering emails, helping a co-worker finish a project, or the manual labor of caring for a family.
Whatever our day looks like, God gifted us this holy labor, this job of service, to do for His glory. What is one practical way you will diligently follow God today as an example for others to follow—right where you are?
I cannot get past another tragic school shooting. I do not understand a nation that values guns over children. I do not understand legislators who are so staunchly pro life when it comes to abortion, but who oppose any type of common sense gun laws. In my life, I am prolife from the womb to the tomb. Today’s reading did give me some hope to see a king using his power for the good and once again honor God. I pray for our nation and it’s leaders to value all life.
A great reminder in whatever corner of the world, or whatever work the Lord has called us, that we are called to do it in a manner that is it a “holy labor”. I needed that reminder. Thanks Seana!
8 He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God? – Micah 6:8
When I read of King Sennacherib’s attack against Hezekiah, I was challenged in my own heart for how I will respond. King S had laid siege to cities of Judah with the intent to break them. Every shooting, every evil act is just like the enemy laying siege to our nation to prove his power. In the Nashville shooting, it’s like he’s standing at the walls of the church shouting up at us, “have any of the national gods of the lands been able to rescue their land from my power. How much less will your God rescue you from my power.” They are prideful, deceptive words from a desperate enemy. Will I blink? Will I fight in my own strength or trust in worldly powers or resources to deliver me and my family? Or, will I cry out to the Lord and invite others to do the same until the enemy leaves in disgrace. Will I humble myself before the Lord and search my heart to be sure that He has all of it? Pride (idolatry) and the sin that comes with it are in every part of our society, from government, to business, to medical, to education, to the legal system. May we come together this year to celebrate a Passover/Easter like Hezekiah did. Where the temple (our heart) is cleansed and we are consecrated again to the Lord for His service, where we call on those around us who have strayed to return, and the blood of Jesus sanctifies His people. That through our worship, prayer and sacrifice the Lord would draw people from every area of our society who would turn to the Lord and tear down the idols as they experience the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Chronicles 30, 32)
Thank you for your words Michelle Patire. Reading, rereading, saving to read again and again. If you haven’t read her post please do so.
Taryn Barlow also addressed that showing love to one another can be done without approving or promoting any sin. As a parent of a young adult, who feels driven away from the church asks me “why would I want to spend eternity with these haters?”
In todays reading in 30:18-19 many were contrary to the law but Hezekiah prayed that God look at their hearts instead. God heard their prayer and did. May we also pray for God’s grace and mercy for our sins and those of others. May He gather his flock and provide direction. May we listen and look at the heart instead of judgment of outward appearances.
Lord, help us truly love one another and lead people towards God instead of away.