KING HEZEKIAH AND THE TRUE REVIVAL

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2 Kings 18:1-6

“Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began to reign.

Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Abi, the daughter of Zachariah.

And he did that which was right in the sight of the LORD, according to all that David his father did.

He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brasen serpent that Moses had made: for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it: and he called it Nehushtan.

He trusted in the LORD God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him.

For he clave to the LORD, and departed not from following him, but kept his commandments, which the LORD commanded Moses.”

The story of King Hezekiah stands as a beacon of hope and transformation, a stark contrast to the darkness that preceded his reign. His story, as depicted in 2 Kings 18:1-6, serves as a testament to the power of faith, leadership, and the pursuit of righteousness in the face of adversity. In this article, we will explore the life of King Hezekiah, his profound impact on the nation of Judah, and the steps to genuine revival, drawing essential lessons for contemporary believers.

King Hezekiah’s ascent to the throne marked a significant departure from the reign of his father, Ahaz. While Ahaz had led Judah into a period of spiritual darkness and idolatry, Hezekiah emerged as a beacon of hope and godly leadership. At the young age of 25, Hezekiah exhibited wisdom and discernment beyond his years, setting the stage for a remarkable transformation within the kingdom.

The pivotal element that distinguished Hezekiah was his unwavering trust in the LORD, the God of Israel. It is said of him that no king before or after him could match his devotion to God. Hezekiah’s heart cleaved to the Lord, a vivid demonstration of what it means to be led by the Spirit of God. His unwavering commitment and zealous pursuit of the divine guided his every step and decision, making him a righteous and effective leader.

Zeal, in the context of Hezekiah’s leadership, was not a lukewarm or apathetic disposition. It conveys the idea of burning with fervor, a passionate desire to pursue righteousness and truth. Hezekiah’s unwavering commitment to God epitomizes this zeal, serving as a stark contrast to the materialism and complacency that often plague the Laodicean Church. His leadership reflects the profound truth that genuine spiritual revival requires an unyielding passion for God.

The name Hezekiah itself holds a profound meaning, signifying that he was “strengthened by Jehovah.” This strength was not of his own making; it was a divine empowerment that enabled him to follow the Lord with all his heart. Hezekiah’s righteous character and fervent pursuit of God’s will made his prayers effective, aligning with the biblical truth that “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

As Hezekiah took the reins of leadership, his first act was to shatter the false gods and eliminate the corrupt forms of worship that had plagued the land. This act was a symbol of his commitment to rid the nation of idolatry and return to the pure worship of God. It serves as a powerful reminder that anything used to bless us can become a curse when it replaces our devotion to the Lord.

The journey to the revival of Judah, chronicled in 2 Chronicles 29 and 30, offers a blueprint for spiritual renewal that remains relevant today.

1. Opening the Doors of the House of the Lord (Quickening)

Hezekiah’s first action was to open the doors of the temple, signifying a quickening of spiritual life. This act mirrored the removal of obstacles that hinder true worship. It highlights the importance of an open heart before God can dwell with us.

2. Consecration and Sanctification (Justification)

Before any revival can occur, there must be a cleansing. The Levites were consecrated and sanctified, representing a justification before God. It underscores the importance of purity, especially among the ministers of God.

3. Purification and Baptism of Fire

The cleansing extended to the purification of the temple, which symbolizes a baptism of fire. Just as valleys represent trials and hardships, this purification process entails the burning away of impurities and the removal of sacrilegious elements. It signifies that true purification often involves undergoing trials and tribulations.

4. Restoration of Praise and Worship

Hezekiah ensured that praise and worship were fully restored, aligning with God’s Word. This step signifies the importance of genuine worship to the one who deserves it all.

5. Proclaiming Repentance

Messengers were sent out to proclaim repentance and a return to the Lord, even in the face of ridicule and scorn. This highlights that God will always have a remnant of people willing to heed His message and consecrate themselves.

The culmination of Hezekiah’s efforts led to great joy, unity, and revival in Jerusalem. The Word of God attests that nothing like this had been seen since the days of Solomon. God heard their prayers, as the prayer of the righteous reached the heavens, His holy dwelling place.

In the context of Hosea 10:12, the admonition is clear: it is time to seek the LORD until He showers righteousness upon us. This call resonates with believers today, urging them to seek the Lord with zeal and passion.

IN CONCLUSION, Hezekiah’s reign and the revival of Judah serve as a powerful example of genuine spiritual renewal. Hezekiah’s unwavering trust in the LORD, his zeal for righteousness, and his dedication to cleansing and restoration set the stage for a remarkable transformation. The steps to revival, as outlined in 2 Chronicles 29 and 30, offer timeless principles for contemporary believers seeking a true revival in their own lives and within the Church.