The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Chronicles 30:6b,
"People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you..."
These words were penned by King Hezekiah to all in Israel and Judah, inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Having restored the temple and the worship there, he now made his appeal to all of Israel.
By this time the northern kingdom had been defeated by Assyria at the Lord's hand. Israel had abandoned the Lord and were now suffering for it. As a nation, they were no longer suitable for the Lord's purposes (preparing the nation for the coming of the Messiah) and took those actions needed to remedy Israel's shortcomings.
I note the two step manner in which King Hezekiah sought the rapprochement of Israel with her Lord: first, "return to the Lord", then the second, "that he may return to you..." First the people's part, then the Lord's part. When the people initiated a return to the Lord, the Lord would respond.
That seems to me to be a model for us all. If we ever find ourselves estranged from the Lord through some sin or whatever, don't wait for anything. Don't wait around for some "sign from God" or anything else, just make a move! Return to your devotion in the Lord, and watch the Lord respond. Start praying! Immerse yourself in his word! Worship him!
I am reminded of James command, "Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
"People of Israel, return to the Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, that he may return to you..."
These words were penned by King Hezekiah to all in Israel and Judah, inviting them to come to the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Having restored the temple and the worship there, he now made his appeal to all of Israel.
By this time the northern kingdom had been defeated by Assyria at the Lord's hand. Israel had abandoned the Lord and were now suffering for it. As a nation, they were no longer suitable for the Lord's purposes (preparing the nation for the coming of the Messiah) and took those actions needed to remedy Israel's shortcomings.
I note the two step manner in which King Hezekiah sought the rapprochement of Israel with her Lord: first, "return to the Lord", then the second, "that he may return to you..." First the people's part, then the Lord's part. When the people initiated a return to the Lord, the Lord would respond.
That seems to me to be a model for us all. If we ever find ourselves estranged from the Lord through some sin or whatever, don't wait for anything. Don't wait around for some "sign from God" or anything else, just make a move! Return to your devotion in the Lord, and watch the Lord respond. Start praying! Immerse yourself in his word! Worship him!
I am reminded of James command, "Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
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