The reforms under Hezekiah were an amazing accomplishment and turnaround for Judah. Under Hezekiah’s leadership the Temple was restored, the Levites were re-employed, Temple worship was restored, and the Passover was again celebrated! These were remarkable days of revival and refreshment. Underneath it all, was remarkable unity!
Picture the scene. The people of Judah had not followed the Lord for so long that the Holy Place was filthy! Hezekiah calls for the people to return and they follow his lead with zeal. Was it because Hezekiah was such a dynamic personality? Was he a charismatic leader?
No. Those are man’s answers. The Bible reveals that the Lord was at work among his people with Hezekiah as his instrument (29:36). The people followed because the Lord gave them a heart of unity! “The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord” (30:12). God-given unity was underneath this incredible time of restoration and revival!
So the blessing of unity comes from the Lord. Let us pray fervently that he would grant our churches to follow their leaders with “one heart.” In addition to the blessing of unity comes additional blessings because of unity. When the Passover was re-instituted, Judah celebrated for two weeks! There was much feasting and many offerings, but most of all, there was “gladness” (30:23) and “great joy” (30:26).
There is nothing more miserable than division and nothing more joyful than unity! We must pray for and strive for unity within the church!
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