Scripture: 2 Chronicles 30:21-27
The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day after day with loud instruments to the Lord. Then Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites who showed good insight in the things of the Lord. So they ate for the appointed seven days, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the Lord God of their fathers. Then the whole assembly decided to celebrate the feast another seven days, so they celebrated the seven days with joy. For Hezekiah king of Judah had contributed to the assembly 1,000 bulls and 7,000 sheep, and the princes had contributed to the assembly 1,000 bulls and 10,000 sheep; and a large number of priests consecrated themselves. All the assembly of Judah rejoiced, with the priests and the Levites and all the assembly that came from Israel, both the sojourners who came from the land of Israel and those living in Judah. So there was great joy in Jerusalem, because there was nothing like this in Jerusalem since the days of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel. Then the Levitical priests arose and blessed the people; and their voice was heard and their prayer came to His holy dwelling place, to heaven.
Insights: Yesterday we talked briefly about our need for revival in the church of America and for an awakening in the life of our country. I then proceeded to explain the three results, or better stated evidences, of a revival. In chapters leading up to the thirtieth in second Chronicles we discover a revival had started in Judah under the rule of king Hezekiah. In today’s verses we see three references to the specific word joy and several references to rejoicing and attributes associated with joy in one’s life. The point is when revival comes down upon us from the glorious One, joy is the first by product. Think a moment about David. After his sin with Bathsheba and his confession in Psalm fifty-one, he cries out for the Lord to restore to him the joy of his salvation. So many in the body of Christ look as if they were baptized in vinegar and sucking on lemons all day. Our faces, our tone of voice, our actions ought to display a life change as a result of being in the Lord’s presence, which is what revival is all about anyway. Beloved, ask the Lord to restore the joy of your salvation just like David. Evaluate your life and be honest with yourself regarding your joy level. May your joy reflect Christ Jesus!
Questions:
1. How would other people characterize your disposition, one of joy or criticism?
2. Are you hungry for corporate times of worship?
Prayer: Father, send revival to my life and let my life be characterized as one being filled with joy. Let my satisfaction be found in You and only in You. Amen.
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