2 Chronicles 29-32 CSB
So the service of the Lord’s temple was established. Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over how God had prepared the people, for it had come about suddenly. (29:36) But some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. Also, the power of God was at work in Judah to unite them to carry out the command of the king and his officials by the word of the Lord. (30:11-12)
Hezekiah was a bright spot in the history of the Kings of Judah. He said that God had put it into his heart to bring about reforms and restore the temple worship. He wasn’t perfect and slipped up (like many did) towards the end of his reign, but overall he was one of the better kings and the things the Lord did during his time were remarkable. What is significant about him is that he shows us that if we will be faithful God will do the work. It wasn’t that Hezekiah was the brightest, most innovative, or even most spiritual king. He simply had the heart to do the right thing and get out of God’s way; letting God do His work.
When he rebuilt and reformed the temple, he simply led the people to do what was right. However, it was God who worked through the people and motivated them to give until there was no room left to bring offerings. He extended his invitation to all the rest of Israel (beyond Judah) and many laughed at him for returning to the “old ways” of Yahweh. Yet, some came and God brought a unity of purpose and vision to the people of Judah that had not been seen for a long time. The writer makes it clear that it was the “power of God at work in Judah” that did this and not the persuasiveness (or even leadership) of the king.
I think this is a good thing for us to remember. We often feel that things happening (or not happening) depends on us, but it rarely does. When God is at work in something and He is motivating people, you don’t have to beg, plead or cajole people to obey—they just do it of their own accord. There is something to be said for persuasiveness in our appeals, but at the end of the day, when the power of God is at work people respond. I have been in situations where it seemed that things were happening, people were of one mind and we were being carried along by the Lord. Then, I have been in situations where it seemed I was banging my head against the wall. Hezekiah teaches us that the answer (in both cases) is simply to remain faithful—be faithful and God will bring the results. If we “create” results then you can be sure they won’t last, and we will be worse off than we were before.
