How can we apply Hezekiah's example of prioritizing worship in our lives today? Setting the Scene: 2 Chronicles 30:2 “For the king and his officials and the whole assembly in Jerusalem had decided to celebrate the Passover in the second month.” Hezekiah inherited a kingdom full of shuttered temple doors and cold hearts, but he refused to let spiritual neglect linger. His very first priority was worship—so urgent, in fact, that he rescheduled Passover rather than skip it. What Hezekiah Actually Did • Closed the gap between conviction and action—he acted “for” the Passover, not merely “about” it. • Involved others (“king and his officials and the whole assembly”)—worship is corporate as well as personal. • Worked within real-life constraints—he moved the feast to the second month (v. 3) because priests and people weren’t ready in time. Obedience trumped calendar traditions. • Removed obstacles (2 Chronicles 29:15-17)—cleaned the temple before inviting anyone in. • Sent messengers north and south (30:6-9)—he wanted every Israelite, even those under apostate kings, to re-center on the LORD. Timeless Principles for Prioritizing Worship • Decide intentionally—set worship on the calendar before anything else (Matthew 6:33). • Rally community—invite family, friends, and church members to join you (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Tackle hindrances—confess sin, forgive others, clear your schedule (Psalm 24:3-4). • Be flexible but faithful—if routine shifts, adjust rather than abandon (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). • Celebrate the gospel—Hezekiah’s Passover prefigured Christ our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Putting Worship First in Daily Life • Block out Sunday worship as non-negotiable. • Schedule morning or evening Scripture and prayer before media or chores. • Institute family worship—sing a hymn, read a chapter, pray together. • Fast or unplug periodically to declutter the heart (Isaiah 26:8). • Turn commutes into praise time—audio Bible, worship music, or silent meditation. • Invite others for meals that include thanksgiving and testimony (Acts 2:46-47). Supporting Snapshots from Scripture • Psalm 95:6—“Come, let us bow down in worship…” • 2 Chron 31:21—Hezekiah “did it with all his heart and prospered.” • John 4:23—“true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” • Colossians 3:16—let “the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” Fruit of a Worship-First Life • Renewed joy (Nehemiah 8:10). • Cleansed conscience (1 John 1:9). • Unity in the body (Ephesians 4:3). • Courage to face cultural pressure (Daniel 3:16-18). • God’s tangible favor—“the hand of God was on Judah to give them one heart” (2 Chronicles 30:12). Final Thoughts Hezekiah teaches that worship isn’t an add-on; it’s the core. When we, like that faithful king, make room for the Lord first, everything else finds its rightful place—and God draws near in blessing, power, and joy. |
    |