In 2 Chronicles 29 and 30 Hezekiah succeeds Ahaz after his death. Hezekiah’s mother is the daughter of Zechariah and raises him to do what is right in the sight of the Lord. He reopens the house of the Lord and repairs it. The Levites cleanse the temple to make it a fit place for God. When everything is ready King Hezekiah and the people offer sacrifices and worship God with music and prayers.

Hezekiah sends out an invitation to all of Judah and Israel to repent and gather at the temple for Passover. The people of Judah respond but most of the people of Israel are so far away from God that they scorn and mock the messengers. All of the people who come to Jerusalem celebrate the feast of Passover.

Many of those who come have not sanctified themselves, that means purifying themselves to be fit for worship. Hezekiah prays for them and asks God to pardon their sin. God hears his prayers and heals the people.

Everyone there rejoices because this is the first time since Solomon that the festival has been held. The priests and Levites bless the people and God hear their prayers in heaven.

It is interesting that a few times the chronicler mentions that the priests were not ready for the worship of God. The Levites are asked to fill in since they had sanctified themselves quicker than the priests. When the leadership is not able to lead in worship others may be called to assist. We must always be ready for the task God calls us to do.

Ephesians 6 encourages us to put on the whole armor of God so we may be able to fight against the temptations that constantly plague us. God’s armor is: knowing the truth about a situation even though others may be telling us differently; doing what is right in God’s sight; being willing to share the gospel with others; continually trusting in God to get us through tough times; remembering that we are forgiven; and staying focused on the word of God. We need to be constantly in prayer and be bold in our declaration of God’s love.