Today’s readings.. (2 Chronicles 31), (Daniel 11), (Acts 11,12)

We continue our reading in 2nd Chronicles of the great reforms that King Hezekiah instituted to bring back true worship throughout the land.  It could not be accomplished in a moment, it took time, it took organisation.  The abundance of evil that existed had to be disposed of – and this was the first thing they did, breaking in pieces the objects of evil living, the things people ‘worshipped’ as the first verse of ch. 31 tells us.

We ponder the work of the saints at the start of Christ’s kingdom to destroy all the ‘fleshly’ things that have multiplied around us and the vile places of ‘worship’ that exist – a widespread cleansing will happen as Christ’s kingdom begins to operate. Surely a really great cleansing is going to be necessary in many countries.  

Then “Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and of the Levites, division by division, according to his service … in the gates of the camp of the LORD and to give thanks and praise.”   This will surely happen as Christ’s kingdom begins operation, a great sharing out of various responsibilities in bringing “righteousness and peace” into all the world.

Psalm 85 is a wonderful prayer and vision of this when “righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.” [v.13] and “steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other” [v.10]   Hezekiah organises and praises the whole family of Levites for their priestly duties. Verse 18 tells us “They were enrolled with all their little children, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, the whole assembly, for they were faithful in keeping themselves holy.” We can, to some extent paraphrase the work of Hezekiah as the work of Christ, for “he did what was good and right and faithful before the LORD his God” [v.24].  In the same way Christ  “must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet” [1 Cor. 15 v.25]  What wonders of experience and challenges of responsibility are in store for those who are faithful to the end – and how close are we to the end of the kingdoms of men!?  Let us strive ever more diligently to do “what is good and right  and faithful in keeping” ourselves “holy.”