Suddenly

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 29

Hezekiah was one of the good guys. He did a lot to lead Judah righteously. The history of the Southern Kingdom was one of spiritual ups and downs, decline, and revival. Hezekiah’s reign is characterized by more reviving than declining. The pattern of decline in the history of Judah tended to be one of a gradual turning away from the Lord. Idolatry and immorality crept in slowly and became entrenched over extended periods.

One might expect that the same had to be true for spiritual reversals, that awakening and a return to the Lord was a generational project. While that is not out of the question, one thing we see throughout history and Scripture is that revival and awakening often happen suddenly. That is the way this spiritual turning comes about during Hezekiah’s day. Chapter 29 concludes by saying, “the thing had come about suddenly.”

Pray for awakening and revival. God in His mercy and grace may bring it about, once again rescuing us from our long, slow, gradual descent into the abyss of sin. He may do it suddenly. Let’s pray so.