Obsessed with a Statue

Scripture:  2 Chronicles 29 & 30

My kids think I’m weird, but it’s not for reasons you may think. They think I’m weird because I’m a little obsessed with the Lincoln Memorial. We recently visited Washington, DC where I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. I was surprised myself at how powerfully the statue of a man who lived nearly 150 years ago impacted me.

As I stood in awe of the huge sculpture, I thought about Abraham Lincoln and the life he led. He was, of course, the 16^th president of the United States. He was instrumental in the process of freeing slaves in America. But what struck me the most was his willingness to stand up for what he believed was right. He was a man of character – someone whose statue even evokes feelings of respect and admiration.

In 2 Chronicles there was a man who inspired similar feelings as I read about him this week. His name was King Hezekiah. This amazing man wasn’t afraid to blaze a new trail and he didn’t waste any time doing it! The Bible says in the first month of the first year of his rain, Hezekiah reopened and repaired the Temple of the LORD. He was bold enough to start his new job by implementing changes immediately! 

The people of Judah had abandoned the LORD and His dwelling place. King Hezekiah realized that the LORD’s anger had fallen on Judah and Jerusalem for this very reason. He desired to restore Judah to a right relationship with God.

Just like President Lincoln, King Hezekiah was a man of character who wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. He immediately made sure that the Temple of the Lord was cleansed and that the Levites were purified. He specifically commanded that a burnt offering and sin offering should be made for all of Israel.

As you read today’s passage, it’s exciting to watch the hearts of the people change as they follow Hezekiah’s lead in praising God. As the people physically give their offerings to God, a spiritual renewal evolves. The king and all the people bow down in worship as they praise the LORD with psalms. Their hearts become willing and open to God.

The next step King Hezekiah took was to re-institute celebrating the Passover. He sent runners throughout Israel and Judah imploring the people to submit to the Lord and return to Him. Scripture says that most of the people laughed at the runners and made fun of them. But to those who turned to God, Hezekiah offered a prayer, “May the LORD, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the LORD .” Scripture then tells us that the LORD listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people.

I want to end with one last powerful verse, “Then the priests and Levites stood and blessed the people, and God heard their prayers from his holy dwelling in heaven” (2 Chron. 30:27). Is there anything more awesome than God hearing the prayers of His people from His holy dwelling place?

Thank God for men and women of character who stand up for what they know is right. Men like Abe Lincoln and King Hezekiah inspire us to be bold and courageous.

Now I’m going to go sit in my favorite chair, put on my favorite tall, black hat and read one of my favorite books about Abe Lincoln. I have no idea why my kids think I’m obsessed! J

Prayer:  LORD God, thank you for the records we have of people who have boldly followed You. Thank you for the inspiration they give to us. Please show us how we can be bold  for You today. May we recognize the opportunity to change our family, our town and even our world for Your glory. We want to make the most of the opportunities You place in our lives.