2 Chron 28-31 Love the Contrast

May 18th, 2 Chronicles 28-31

       Two Kings this morning are a study in contrast. Ahaz was played the part of the evil one. The summation of his life is chapter 28:24. He gathered up the vessels in the Temple and cut them to pieces, shut up the doors so no one could enter and made altars for himself in every corner of Jerusalem. That gives you a good picture.
       Hezekiah blows in like a fresh wind. He is the polar opposite of Ahaz, you should read the story. He gets three chapters because there is so much good stuff to say. Some favorite moments for me...
       The best moment is found in 30:12...God gave them one heart to do what the King commanded by the word of God. The miracle of being one is a gift from God. The King is listening to God. People are willing to listen. A stark contrast to a guy building altars for himself all around town.
       In verse 18-19 of the same chapter people have failed to come to Passover according to the regulations. My editorial comment is that it has been so long since people really did the Passover, most don't even know what the regulations are, much less follow them. Hezekiah makes a great statement... "May the good Lord pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the Lord, the God of his fathers..." That people are here to worship God is what matters.
      Finally, Hezekiah encourages the Levites a few verses later for showing "good skill in the service of the Lord." It's one thing to do the job, another to do the job well. It too is a contrast to a beat down world where a King goes off and everyone is just trying to duck and hide and avoid conflict.
       The two extremes are obvious. I encourage us to be building the later in our homes, workplace, and in the church. To be leaders that inspire, servants easy to encourage, all followers of the Lord!!