July 31
2 Chron 29:1-36 | PS 24:1-10 | Prov 20:12 | Rom 14:1-23
We can all seek that which is good or that which is best. Each king of Judah was compared to someone. Some did evil and were compared to the kings of Israel, such as King Ahaz. Some did good and were compared to their good fathers who were kings, such as Uzziah (who did what was right according to all that his father Amaziah had done, 2 Chronicles 26:4) and Jotham (who did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah had done, 2 Chronicles 27:2). But some sought after that which was best, as we read 2 Chronicles 29:2, concerning Hezekiah, "And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done." David was in his ancestry, but his actual father was the evil King Ahaz. While the good kings immediately took care of the affairs of state (rebuilding walls, making war with threatening nations) along with leading the nation towards God, Hezekiah began his reign by completely focusing on the temple and restoring proper worship of God. All had to get their house, so to speak, back in order. It was simply a matter of priorities.
So the question must be asked, "How would we fair?" When our homes are not where they should be and we need to get things in order, what is our first focus and our order of business. Do we focus on finances, home repairs, schools, etc, or do we focus first and most fervently on getting our own eyes and the eyes of those we love squarely on the Lord. Do we focus on reading Scripture, church, fellowship, prayer and worship? Again, none of those things are bad. In fact, they are all good things. But there are certain things which are better than good. May we all set our priorities straight, like King Hezekiah, and not seek simply that which is good, like the other good kings of Judah.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: