“In the very first month of the first year of his reign, Hezekiah reopened the doors of the Temple of the LORD and repaired them…He said to the priests…‘Purify yourselves, and purify the Temple of the LORD…Remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary…Do not neglect your duties any longer! The LORD has chosen you to stand in his presence, to minister to him….”
2 Chronicles 29:3, 5, 11 NLT
Hezekiah’s passion for the Temple is amazing, especially considering he grew up in the palace of King Ahaz. Hezekiah had not only observed his father’s wickedness those sixteen years but was forced to walk through fire in pagan worship. No wonder Hezekiah began his reign with determination! He knew that when his father shut the doors to the Temple, snuffed out the lamps and stopped the burnt offerings, sadly he had severed relationship with God. (29:7)
King Hezekiah wasted no time. The first month of his reign, he opened the doors of the Temple! His priority should be ours as well. How often when we experience disappointments, do we become angry at God and close our hearts. Sadly, we don’t realize that when we close the door of our temple, we not only cut off relationship, but we also snuff out the Light. No wonder we can’t see where to go!
So, if the winds of trouble or disappointment have blown your heart door shut, or if it’s difficult to find your way, perhaps it’s time to follow Hezekiah’s example: First, open the door to your temple and make the needed repairs to keep it from swinging shut again. Next clean out your temple to make room for God to settle. THEN stand in His Presence and worship.
Why not let joyous songs fill your temple today?
