Today in God's Word—March 2023
East Tallassee Church of Christ
March 13, 2 Chronicles 31
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered. - 2 Chronicles 31:20-21
Many churches put a lot of money and effort into special events. When a special day or week is designated and emphasized, more people usually attend and participate. Some people are more enthusiastic, and more people will commit to serve and be involved in a special event such as Vacation Bible School or a revival or Homecoming.
Events are undoubtedly good, and they are even better when the energy and enthusiasm generated by the event continues after the event is over. As exciting and attractive and successful as the event may seem to be, the real measure of an event's effectiveness is in what happens after the special event is over. When there is a lasting positive effect after an event, it was a genuine success.
Hezekiah's Passover was a great success. It brought the people of Israel together in a way they had not been united for centuries. It reignited a strong and zealous spirit of commitment to the LORD. And when it was over after being extended for a second week, the effects of the Passover celebration and the recommitment to the Lord went home with the people when they left Jerusalem.
During Passover, the people had cleansed Jerusalem of the altars to idols in the city. When they left, they went through all the towns of Judah and removed and destroyed all the pillars, idols, Asherah and high places in the land. Hezekiah's wholehearted dedication to the LORD was contagious, and the people were zealous about serving God again.
Hezekiah appointed the priests and Levites to specific duties and divisions of service. The priests were responsible for all the sacrifices and offerings, while the Levites did other jobs connected to the temple. Some Levites served as guards of the temple and its gates. Others were the singers and musicians who offered daily praise and thanks to God in the temple.
Hezekiah commanded the people first in Jerusalem and then across the kingdom, to bring their tithes to support the priests and Levites in their full time service to the Lord in the temple. The people responded with wholehearted generosity and joy, so that the ministering servants of the temple had plenty and left over. Hezekiah ordered the Levites to set up storage chambers for the offerings to be gathered, and established a roll of all the Levites and their families, so equitable distribution could be made to all the people and their families who served in the temple. For the first time in many years, the priests, Levites and the work of the temple functioned as God planned for it to work.
Hezekiah prospered because of his wholehearted dedication to the LORD. We realize the value of genuine commitment in the workplace. We should also recognize how important that wholeheartedness is to the work of the church. When the leaders and the people serve with the gifts God gave them to use for the good of the church, God will reward that wholehearted effort with his blessing. The result will be not only exciting successful events, but more godly living among the members, as well as increasing numbers. Let's remember and implement Hezekiah's secret of success.
Copyright © 2023 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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