February 20, 2023

Passage Read: 2 Chronicles 30-33
Meditation Verse: 32:1

Thought

Hezekiah promised the people of Israel that whoever turned to the Lord and joined their Passover celebration, the Lord would cause the captors of their brothers and sons to show them favor and let them return to their homes. That was a big promise he hopefully received from the Lord. But there's no record I'm aware of that that happened. In fact, instead of wonderful things happening to the people because they returned to the Lord, the Assyrians now came against them. Hezekiah responded wonderfully in faith, and the Lord miraculously delivered them. But the implication is that, yes, the Lord may do good and prosper the people who turn to Him, but He will also bring trial and testing. Hezekiah endured several major tests, and at least one of the later ones, he failed with significant consequence.

Application

It is inappropriate to promise wonderful things from the Lord to those who turn to Him, especially in the short run. We are promised amazing things that come with the return of Christ, but Christ Himself promises that we will have trouble in this world. In fact, it's like the more a man pleases the Lord, the more He tests Him. God doesn't want us worshiping Him because He does good to us; He does do good to us, but those who worship Him for that are fair weather followers. He seeks people who worship Him because He is God of all creation, and worthy of worship in good and bad. People like Job and David, and all the prophets. So He tests me to know what is in my heart, to show me what is in my heart, whether I am loyal in good times or in all times.