Build Back Better

 "So the service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished. Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly." 2 Chronicles 29: 35, 36

    My sister and I were talking about all the negative changes we have witnessed in our culture and society in such a short time. "It's scary," we agreed, as we sadly recalled happier times.

    Just as quickly as weeds grow, God cultivates a garden of strength and beauty if the soil is right. When King Hezekiah took the throne in Jerusalem at the young age of 25, the former administration had left things in a hot mess. Under the wicked King Ahaz, the temple furnishings had been cut into pieces before the doors were shut. Idol altars were then set up on every street corner. 

    When King Hezekiah came into power, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work vowing, "Now I intend to make a covenant with the Lord, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us." (2 Chronicles 29:10). Within the first month of his reign, he cleared the overgrowth that obscured the broken temple doors, repaired the portal and assembled priests and Levites to help. Together, they removed all the defilement and brought back the accoutrements of worship. As soon as the temple was ready, the very next morning the King gathered all the city officials who brought sacrifices along with cymbals, harps, lyres and trumpets. "The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the musicians played and the trumpets sounded." (2 Chronicles 29:28) 

    Can you imagine if we saw this kind of revival in our land from the President on down? If this is something we long for then I propose we start from the bottom and work up! Invite others over to our homes, play worship songs on YouTube, kneel in prayer and devour the powerful word of God. Don't wait until Sunday. Rise early each day to spend time with God, communing over the ups and downs of life. We may be surprised how quickly He responds when we take action against evil.

    Lets roll up our sleeves and build back the best!

"There was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. The priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven, his holy dwelling place."                 2 Chronicles 30:26, 27