2 Chronicles Chapter 31: Verses 20-21 (NIV)
This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah, doing what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.
2 Chronicles 32:1 (NIV)
After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, thinking to conquer them for himself.
2 Chronicles 32:8 (NIV)
With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.
Faithful, faithfulness and faithfully are adjectives used a lot in chapter 31 to describe Hezekiah and the priests. Its also used frequently in the bible to describe God’s attitude towards us. It means consistent, committed, upholding rights and beliefs. And to be described as faithful is indeed a blessing. Hezekiah consistently set an example to his people about how to live as God intended. And he prospered. Yet that didn’t exclude him from trouble. However still, in spite of the situation he found himself in, he stood firm in his belief that God would move on his behalf, and publicly declared that. Because he stood firm and trusted God, the people too were encouraged. And God did indeed intervene.
We need to set an example to others of our faithful service to God, and our faithful trust in His being able to help us, even when things seem difficult. By standing firm and faithful, we too can encourage others, just as Hezekiah did. And after all, don’t we as Christians want the first words we hear in heaven to be, “Well done, my good and faithful servant?”
Dear Lord,
I am blessed to have been encouraged in my Christian Walk by many faithful Christians, some of whom are now at home with You. I am also grateful for Your steadfast, faithful and unchanging love to me. Help me to be faithful in return. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.