Highlights In Today's Reading:
Another era of wickedness begins with King Ahaz spiritually defiling the whole nation. Be sure to read the consequences of his action in 28:19. After his death, revival comes with godly Hezekiah who becomes king. Temple worship is restored, they keep the Passover, and confession is made to the Lord (30:27).
Hezekiah began restoring biblical principles and true worship of God. He recognized the blessings of God as of utmost importance and as most essential. This was in striking contrast to the ungodly example of his wicked father and the voice of a corrupt court. Hezekiah. . . . brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made. . . . He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. . . . And the Lord was with him (II Kings 18:4-5,7).
The secret of his inspiration and power is explained by the recorded facts: He clave to the Lord and the Lord was with him (18:6-7). Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began in the service of the House of God, and in the Law, and in the Commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered (II Chronicles 31:20-21). He repaired and cleansed the Temple. Under extreme difficulty and danger, he was determined to do God's will: It is in mine heart (29:10). No compromise, no half-measures, no delay. There is a strong spiritual link between our estimate of God and what we think is the most important to do first. Without exception, every Christian should seek . . . first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things (natural necessities of life) shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33). Christ calls us to a life of faith and dependence, because it is the life He Himself led.
When God says: Seek My face (II Chronicles 7:14), He means for us daily to seek His will in His Word that we may know the true goals He would set for us. As we read His Word, the Holy Spirit not only enlightens our understanding of how to know His will, but He empowers us to live it. God has warned: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the Law, even his prayer shall be abomination (Proverbs 28:9).
We need to consider and daily ask ourselves: "Will what I'm seeking in prayer bring honor to the Father or merely benefit me?”
Jesus said: If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you (John 15:6-7).
Thought for Today:
Turning away from sin in our lives always brings us back to a right relationship with our Creator and therefore into His blessings.
Christ Portrayed:
By King Hezekiah who offered an intercessory prayer for every one That prepareth his heart to seek God (II Chronicles 30:18-19). Jesus Christ our King, now seated at the right hand of God, intercedes in prayer for all who continue to seek Him (Romans 8:34). Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).
Word Studies:
28:3 Hinnom transliterated into Greek as Gehenna, was used by Jesus to illustrate the place of eternal punishment (translated as “hell” in the New Testament); 28:10 keep under =b> subdue; 28:15 shod them =b> gave them sandals; 28:25 several =b> single; 30:6 posts =b> runners, couriers; 30:22 comfortably =b> encouragingly; 30:23 took counsel =b> agreed.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Dorothy W. Ralston • Staff: Benjamin Wallace • Government Officials: Rep. Jeb Hensarling (TX) and Rep. Jerry Moran (KS) • Country: Samoa (190,000) in the South Pacific • Major languages: Samoan and English • Religious freedom • 68% Protestant; 21% Roman Catholic; 2% Baha'i; 1.1% non-Religious/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks to the Lord and praise Him openly, for He has redeemed you through His blood and forgiven all your sins (Colossians 1:12-14).
Optional Reading: I Corinthians 16
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 2:2
