Then the runners went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the king and his leaders, and spoke according to the command of the king: Children of Israel, return to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel; then He will return to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria.
— 2 Chronicles 30:6
WHEN HEZEKIAH became king, he sought to bring the people back to a spiritual renewal, back to the acknowledgment that Jehovah was God over the nation. So he sent notice throughout the land for the people to return to the Lord and observe the Passover Feast.
The Assyrians had conquered the northern kingdom and taken captives, but many had evaded capture. Hezekiah’s invitation went out to those who remained. They had forsaken God, but He was calling them back. As it turned out, this was God’s final call to Israel. The northern kingdom mocked the invitation, and within three years, they were gone.
IT IS FRIGHTENING TO REALIZE THAT IF A MAN PERSISTS IN THAT PATH GOD HAS WARNED HIM AGAINST, THE DAY WILL COME WHEN GOD GIVES HIM ONE FINAL CALL.
Judah, however, responded to the invitation. Under Hezekiah’s reign, Judah became strong and prosperous again, because they turned unto the Lord with one heart.
Our God is merciful and gracious. If you turn to Him, He will free you from the captivity of the enemy and the power of darkness that holds you within its grip.
Father, awaken us to the seriousness of the day and the age in which we live. May we with one heart make a covenant to serve and worship You, and to surrender ourselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Amen.