READING: 2 Chronicles 29:3-31:21
Sometimes, those called to lead the people of God need encouragement, direction, challenge—rebuke, even, when necessary. There are times when others must call them to be diligent in their service. In fact, all of us who lead God’s church need this kind of input from others whose walk with the Lord we trust. None of us is immune from forgetting the Lord’s goodness or neglecting giving our best to His work.
King Hezekiah was a good man who “did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his ancestor David had done” (2 Chron 29:2). Upon ascending to the throne, he quickly called for the cleansing of the Temple and the return of genuine, proper worship. To get there, he called on the priests and Levites to consecrate themselves and prepare to do the Lord’s work again. They were to be God’s instruments, and they were to do their work diligently: “My sons, don’t be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand in his presence, to serve him, and to be his ministers and burners of incense” (2 Chron 29:11). Later, Hezekiah encouraged the Levites who “performed skillfully before the Lord,” that is, who did their work well (2 Chron 30:22).
Maybe a church leader you know needs a lift today. Perhaps you need to say to someone, “Be diligent in your work. The Lord has called you, and I’m praying you will continue to serve the Lord well.” We all need that encouragement.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Who’s the church leader you would most like to encourage today? Will you do it?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, thank You for those who lead us. Help them to serve You well.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 25:1-29:27
