The difference a godly man makes (2 Chr 29-31; 1 Corinthians 8)

After the wickedness of King Ahaz, God’s grace shines all the brighter through his godly son Hezekiah. It can only be God’s grace that causes such a change in this family, and we see what a difference a godly man can make. In chapter 29 we see the religious reforms he makes in the temple, reinstating the sacrifices that had been neglected during the reign of Ahaz and the result is great joy! (2 Chronicles 29:36)

This is the result of turning back to God’s Word and doing what He says. We need to pray that churches across the world would do this, for so many have turned away from God’s Word. What joy there would be if godly men would lead God’s church according to His Word.

Next Hezekiah sees that the Passover is celebrated, for this important festival remembering God’s rescue of His people from Egypt had not been celebrated as often as it should have been (2 Chronicles 30:5). I was struck that Hezekiah commands all Israel to come to celebrate the Passover. Remember there was a split in the kingdom after Solomon, and the Northern kingdom (Israel) has been mostly carried off into exile by the Assyrians. You would have thought after all that had happened to them, those who remained in the land would have been ready to return to the Lord. Hezekiah graciously tells them “if you return to the LORD, your brothers and your children will find compassion with their captors and return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him.” (2 Chronicles 30:9)

You would have thought they would have been desperate enough to try! Here is an invitation not only to make a difference for themselves, but also for their families. But the surprise is, they laugh at the invitation and mock the messengers who bring it. (2 Chronicles 30:10)

Not much has changed has it? People today lament the state of the world, but try speaking of Jesus (the true Passover Lamb who died for us at Passover time to deliver us from sin and death) and you may be laughed at and mocked. But thankfully, that’s not the only response, we are told that some humbled themselves and came (2 Chronicles 30:11), and the result was “great joy” (v26). It’s a reminder that even though many will laugh and mock God’s invitation, there will be those who respond humbly and accept their need of a saviour. Let us make sure we are among that group, and persevere in inviting others even as we expect a mixed result, part of the result will include great joy forever!