A New Start at Worship
Scripture Reading — 2 Chronicles 29:1-10, 25-28
He stationed the Levites in the temple ... in the way prescribed by David ... 2 Chronicles 29:25
For the next few days we'll read from 2 Chronicles to see how King Hezekiah helped the people learn how to worship and serve God again.
Hezekiah reopened the doors of the temple--and we can almost hear those doors creak. It had been a long time. Imagine the layers of dust and the cobwebs. God's temple had been abused and neglected. It took more than two weeks (verse 17) to clear out all the sinful, dusty junk and clean up the place so that it could function as God's temple again.
But then nobody knew how to worship anymore. So Hezekiah had to help the people relearn what to do.
Hezekiah was a rare king--he actually read the directions to something! He got out the books of David and the prophets and functioned like a stage director at a play: "O.K.--you guys with the trumpets, stand there. Then, when the Levites enter, you start to play. And after that, you singers--sing!"
This year, be like Hezekiah. Put worship first.
Do you have a church? If you do, make sure your worship is for the glory of God, not for your own interests. If you don't have a church, find one! It may feel a little awkward at first, but don't sleep in and skip worship. If you make worship your priority, you'll find God's strength and blessing in everything else you do.
Lord, I want to worship you. Help me to learn and grow. Thank you for the instructions about putting you first in worship. Help me to follow you faithfully. You are my God! Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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