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?
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45 thoughts on "Renewal Under King Hezekiah"
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.
♥️
Victoria I will pray for you and the other Moms. God will provide you with strength. You are enough. My kids are now grown in their 20s but I remember your feelings.
I try to model serving others especially in my family to be an example for my children to follow. I pray that will be the case.
Sarah D- I am praying for you sister.
Dorothy praying for your sister. This reading and devotional has me feeling stressed ! I’ve been feeling like I’m seriously failing at being a working mom, I feel like something is always slipping because of it. Please pray for me and all the other working moms out there who might be feeling woefully inadequate. Please also pray for my parents to move closer and provide some additional help. Thank you!
I am committing to no more complaining about a job I do not love. I know God brought me to this place. I will trust you God in your plan and in your timing.
May the Lord have mercy on the suffering in Mississippi, Tennessee, and all over our country. May he have mercy on Ukraine, on Belarus, and on the continent of Africa. Pray that Congress would take action against assault weapons. Amen.
What a great reminder today! I have to laugh at the question asked about what work has God given you today? Mainly because I sat in jury duty all day ha ha. I thought at one point as I started to get a headache God if this is your plan for me today then I’ll do it. I agree with you @TAYLOR about being diligent to treat patients well to reflect Gods love and kindness. I always feel that way as I deal with patients and their family members. What a gift to be able to help people during what could be the hardest times in their life but also what could be the end of their life. @SARAH D. So glad to hear your interview went well. You know you might feel anxiety again but you also won’t know unless you try. I think God has probably nudged to try to find a new job for a reason and I pray your anxiety will lessen in the process. As somebody who struggles at my job I feel ya. @RHONDA J. I’m praying for your sister and that she is safe! I pray you feel comfort as well as you anxiously await for her to respond. Praying for your requests ladies!
I too work in a secular middle school. The children are predominantly Jewish so I have to be especially careful about what I say. I need to be more mindful of shining Christs love through my actions. Sometimes I lose my patience and am not the best reflection of Him
I think one practical thing I can do is love my family.
The reading today encouraged me greatly that persistent diligence of a mother brings changes to the WHOLE nation. Many times raising children feels like “unpaid work” for me (lie of the enemies), BUT GOD has again reminded me of the glorious result of the future of generations through the example of a wonderful mom Abijah. May we follow her footsteps. Another key point that stood out to me, “And the Lord hearkened to Hezekieh, and healed the people” (2 Chronicles 30:20)- such amazing encouragement: one person interceded, and many were healed. I am thankful for the roles of prayer intercessors of many of you dear she’s. One prays, and many are healed. One leads, many are saved. Glory to this Truth.
@DOROTHY: praying for your sister, may all is well and she will respond to you.
@RHONDA J: praying for the newborn faith of the 4 ladies in jail ministry, and for your grandson Braydon’s upcoming visit.
@Nashville tragedy: I rarely read news because my tender mama heart cannot bear it. May God help us in our grief and heartbreaks. Behaviours are language. Evil behaviours communicate hurt, unresolved damages and bitter resentment. There is so much hurt that kids nowadays bear- that spirals into emotional disorders in young adulthood. Mental health disorder is the pressing issue now more than before. May we cover our younger generations in prayers, over their safety, their mind, their emotional state and mental state, over their hidden emotional and psychological wounds, over their friend circle that pumps ideas directly in their head, over the gateways of their eyes and ears of what they watch and listen to. Joining dear she’s to pray over the families of the shooter and victims, the community and nation. May we also remember to cover our precious school teachers/educators in prayers, that God will strengthen and fortify them with wisdom, intelligence, capacity and diligence to bear the tasks, and may God grant them handsome rewards for their good works.
Be blessed dear sisters. May the Lord be with you and manifest Himself to you.
SEANA SCOTT – Thank you for this insightful devo! Great guys check question! I can and do encourage those who express doubts about their ability in service.
Praying comfort, peace, and grace for all affected by the tragic event in Nashville. Praying all SRT staff/families are safe.
Good word Beth!
GM Beautiful SRT She’s!
It was gratifying and edifying how the simple heart of King Hezekiah changed EVERYTHING for his country and beyond!I had read a book by Lynn Austin, “God and Kings” a few years ago! It focused on when Hezekiah was a boy, and his father sacrificed babies to Bahl, and how he was afraid. His mom fought for him and kept feeding into him lessons she knew of the real God. It was really good at helping me understand the time period and the important names and how they all fit together.
It only takes 1 to change things right? That’s what we hear, let’s put it into practice, we never know the 1 person we might affect in a positive way! Planting those seeds! Every day praying for Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to lead us plant those seeds. I really had never been around someone that wanted to accept Jesus and lead the prayer, but in prison ministry a few weeks ago, my leader stopped before giving the planned lesson, and said the Spirit was telling her He had a different plan–She asked who wanted to accept Jesus?! Four women said yes, my leader lead them in prayer, and then we both prayed over each woman!! It was amazing!! There will never be anything better! I had prayed to be a part of that, and it was a confirmation that God is moving!! If ever need be a time we Christian need to stand firm in love and hope, it is now sisters. Lets pray that we can do just that.
WOW!!! What a total change!!! You can tell Hezekiah’s mother, Abijah, brought him up to worship the Lord God. I’ve been reading, with a minister friend of mine a different type of Chronological version of the Bible, and earlier in the month we read in Numbers about the bronze serpent Moses had made to repel the snakes that were biting and killing the Israelites. In this version it then referred us to 2Kings 18 where in verse 4 it says, “He (being King Hezekiah) removed the pagan shrines, smashed the sacred pillars, and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke up the bronze serpent that Moses had made, because the people of Israel had been offering sacrifices to it.” I thought, WOW!! that takes guts to destroy something God had them make, but then when I read why I understood. I admire Hezekiah for turning everything around.
In my devotional Bible that I’ve mentioned, they have a devotion that goes along with 2 Chronicles 31:20-21. Part of it is called “Reflection” and it reads, “It’s so much better to commit our plans to God and let Him lead than to ask Him to follow us and watch our plans fail. God’s rightful place is at the forefront of all that we di in this life.” Next to it I wrote, “AMEN!!! AMEN!!!”
Sisters, I need to ask you for prayer. For the last week and a half I’ve been trying to get ahold of my sister, in many different ways — text, calling, email — and she hasn’t responded. I talked with my eldest brother last night, he and I agreed I would email her that if she didn’t get ahold of me today some how I would be doing a wellness check on her. Please pray she is okay.
Be blessed and know “no plan given to God will ever be wasted” sisters.
@ LANE I loved that part too. Hezekiah interceded for them just like Christ has interceded for us. Beautiful.
Reading about Hezekiah has been like receiving a big hug and a kiss on the top of my head from God. Both encouraging and refreshing. This is how I like to read 2 Chronicles 29:11:~ Cindy, do not now be negligent, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him and to be his minister by making offerings of service to him.” I have work that matters and is pleasing to God. It might not look very exciting or significant in the eyes of the world but if it’s prompted by kindness and mercy towards those in need.. then Jesus’s intercession on my behalf makes it a fragrant offering to God.
I am so glad she mentioned Hezekiah’s mother in the devotional today. That is something I have been noticing ever since we learned about Athaliah and her impact on the ruling kings. Every time there is a new king, the passage specifically lists who his mother is, along with whether or not he walked in the ways of David and followed the Lord. It is definitely important to God that we take our job of raising the next generation seriously. My greatest desire is not that I would be such a “good” parent that my children love me and thank me for taking care of them. My greatest desire is that, flawed though I am, God would use me to teach my children about Him, and that my children would follow Him with their whole hearts. ❤️ I need to keep this in mind when I am tempted to focus on whether or not they appreciate me and my efforts.
It was very refreshing to read of all that happened in the beginning of Hezekiah’s rule. Everything that was described sounds like a full blown revival! Those whose hearts were set on seeking God were pardoned of their uncleanness. They celebrated for seven days with rejoicing while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD accompanied by instruments of praise. The people had good understanding of the service of the LORD and offered offerings to the LORD. It was such a blessing that they celebrated for seven more days – joyfully! There was great joy, the people were blessed and their prayers reached God in His holy dwelling place. Fourteen days of praising God, rejoicing, praying (2 Chronicles 30:1-27) – wow! Oh that we would see this in our churches across America – what a difference it would make!
My heart is greatly saddened and so heavy in hearing of the terrible tragedy in Nashville. Praying for all the broken-hearted that have lost loved ones, for this school, church and community. May God somehow take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it for good. Prayers too for the parents and family of the shooter, I can’t even begin go imagine. People so need the Lord.
God,
It is a gift all of us Shes can meet together daily to pray for each other and the world around us. Lord, we thank you, yet we grieve those suffering around us. May hearts be turned TOWARD you. As Psalm 119 says, “I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” As we see the people in Judah and Israel turn, may our neighbors turn. May we be an example of Your mercy and love. It is so easy to teach the right things at the wrong time. It is easy to judge with our flesh instead of Your Holy Spirit. God, help us to be led by mercy instead of judgement. Help us be a friend to the lonely, the marginalized, the confused, the one who practices witchcraft, the one who believes the “Universe” will save them and lead them… Lord, deep down their hearts long for truest love… which is only You, Jesus. Jesus, be near to our neighbors suffering and scared because the devil is angry that his time is short. You say the day of salvation is TODAY. May hearts wake up TODAY and be drawn into the doors of your churches, this Palm Sunday and Easter– the day we celebrate eternal life by Your own blood, Jesus. May we extend a smile and a handshake to those who are still afraid or hurt to walk into the doors of a church. May we embody You and be the warm embrace they need, Jesus. I have been thinking, the word “hello” has so much power and weight to it. May we be hospitable and fulfill our calling to reconcile the world back to You. Thank you Lord for this ministry. Thank you for Your ever flowing grace that continues to be poured out over our own mistakes and ignorance. Lord, we love You and wish to help You, today. Thank you. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen.
Praying for diligence in my service to the Lord
My son went to a christian school. I always felt he’d be protected there. This shooting hit hard. They all hit hard. We live in such a broken world. It is so sad. I pray that people will see Christ in us. That they will crave what we have in Christ. That they will be drawn to the truth.
Praying for a heart like Hezekiah. He remembered God’s compassion, he kept going despite ridicule, he removed evil influences, he interceded for the people, he was open to spontaneity in worship, he contributed generously to God’s work.
Lifting up our broken world today, that we may lead like Hezekiahs to help bring people to know the only One who can give true peace.
What a beautiful gift and ministry.
Good morning everyone!! Thank you for your prayers for my interview. I think it went well overall!! I was definitely a bit nervous, but the director and elementary principal I spoke with were both very nice. Praying the Lord would open this door for me if it is in his plan. After the interview and last night I was feeling a bit down/sad, I’m not sure why. I know no job is perfect, but I am really hoping whichever job I get is at least more enjoyable and is less anxiety inducing than my current one. It has been a long year and a half, and I am ready to feel better at a job. Part of me also wonders if I will always feel anxiety at the different jobs I have, but I am hoping it is just the type of work that doesn’t fit my personality well.
Praying for those in Nashville. That is something that does concern me about going into teaching, however I know that I shouldn’t live in fear and that because our world is broken, things can happen anywhere. Praying for our world and our country to find Jesus.
Amen
@Elaine: I am with you. Only the Spirit’s power can enable me to do what is right—espefially when I feel wronged. Lord, help us diligently do what is right like King Hezekiah. Amen.
Yes it is! So many are worn out in those spaces. A great place to live well.praying for you right now
I was most moved today by ch. 30:18-19, although the many that came had not purified themselves, still ate (contrary to the law) but Hezekiah prayed for them asking that God look at their hearts instead. God heard that prayer and did.
Such a good reminder as I head into another day of treating patients! May I be diligent to treat my patients well so I can reflect God’s love, kindness, compassion, and healing to those that need it. Praying & so broken hearted for the families in Nashville. I went to Christian school and my mom currently teaches in a Christian school. This hit home for me.
Showing love and shining Jesus’s light in corporate America where it is so needed.
Do the right thing. It sounds easy enough. But I know from experience that but for the Lord there is no good thing in me. Please help me to do the right thing Lord Jesus! Cause me to seek after you and do the right thing I pray. Amen
I work in a public middle school and I need to show love to students and staff for them to know what it means to love others. But loving others does not mean that I approve or promote their sin. Instead I must lead by word and deed, without getting in trouble for sharing my faith. It’s a fine line that I’ve been walking for 19 years. The lord has done amazing things in schools because of those who serve him being an example.
We can not stop bad things from happening, for we live in a broken world. But we can love them like Jesus does.
I work in a public middle school and I need to show love to students and staff for them to know what it means to love others. But loving others does not mean that I approve or promote their sin. Instead I must lead by word and deed, without getting in trouble for sharing my faith. It’s a fine line that I’ve been walking for 19 years. The lord has done amazing things in schools because of those who serve him being an example.
The tears are flowing this morning as I read of Hezekiah’s leadership, of hearts and minds repenting and worshipping the Lord God Almighty. Lord, that we may see changed hearts in our own lives and those around us, our neighborhoods, cities, states and countries.
Praying for those dealing with the devastation of property in Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama in the aftermath of the tornadoes in the past few days, and especially for those in Tennessee who are feeling the devastation in their hearts in the wake of yesterday’s tragedy in Nashville.
I love what you said. He only asked others to go where he went first. May we be diligent to
2 Chronicles 31:10: ‘The chief priest Azariah, of the household of Zadok, answered him, “Since they began bringing the offering to the Lord’s temple, we have been eating and are satisfied and there is plenty left over because the Lord has blessed his people; this abundance is what is left over.”’
This reminds me of the feeding of the 5,000 in the New Testament (Matthew 14:13-21). The same theme in both- they had eaten, were satisfied and there was food left over. Just like how there were 12 baskets of food left over, (more than they had even started with!). God is able to provide abundantly.
“For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful; he will not turn his face away from you if you return to him.”
O, Lord, please move in our midst. Holy Spirit draw Your people to righteousness and holiness. Tear down the walls that we have allowed the enemy to build that separates us. We need to be showing this sin-sick world the way to wholeness in You. Be with those who have suffered in this latest act of violence. Send Your love and healing through Your people.
Amen. No more. Come Lord Jesus; come.
Lord Jesus, my heart is devastated as more of Your precious children are (witnessing and) being killed by guns and knives in the hands of Your children who have lost their way :'(
God of Heaven and Earth, I pray comfort, peace, healing, …all the things that ONLY YOU can provide at a time like this for those in Tennessee and beyond. God bless our faithful SRT community / staff.♥️