How can we prioritize worship in our lives like Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 29:20? The Context of 2 Chronicles 29:20 • “Early the next morning King Hezekiah assembled the city officials and went up to the house of the LORD.” (2 Chronicles 29:20) • Judah had drifted into idolatry; temple doors were shut (29:7). • Hezekiah, only a day into his reign, wastes no time: he rises early, gathers leaders, and heads straight to God’s house. Hezekiah’s Model of Prioritized Worship • Immediate action—no delay (v. 20) – Worship was not scheduled around other duties; it shaped the schedule. • Corporate involvement—“assembled the city officials” – Worship is public, communal, and influential. • Central location—“the house of the LORD” – God’s appointed place receives first attention before political or military matters (cf. Psalm 27:4). • Total commitment—subsequent verses show cleansing the temple, restoring offerings, and singing praise (vv. 21-30). Translating Hezekiah’s Priorities into Daily Life 1. Start early with God • Psalm 5:3: “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice…” • Set alarms, block off the first moments—Scripture, prayer, song. 2. Gather your “officials” • Family devotions, small groups, church services (Hebrews 10:25). • Encourage leaders at work or school to pray before meetings. 3. Go to the “house” regularly • Make weekly corporate worship non-negotiable (Acts 2:42). • Serve in church ministries—time, talents, resources. 4. Clean out spiritual clutter • Repent of hidden idols (1 John 5:21). • Simplify schedules so worship is not squeezed out. 5. Offer continual praise • Colossians 3:16: let the word and songs dwell among you. • Create playlists, journal gratitude, speak Scripture aloud. Guarding and Sustaining a Lifestyle of Worship • Seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33)—align every decision with God’s reign. • Present your bodies “as a living sacrifice” daily (Romans 12:1). • Monitor drift: if worship feels routine, revisit Hezekiah’s urgency—return, repent, restore. Prioritizing worship, like Hezekiah, means treating communion with God as the day’s first business, the community’s shared passion, and the heart’s continual offering. |
    |