Since the days of Solomon . . . there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 30:26)
Expanded Passage: 2 Chronicles 30:25-27
For most of us, 2020 became a defining year in our historical timeline. People around the world often talk about life BC and AC: Before Covid and After Covid. Restrictions became part of daily life. In some countries, rules were so strict that you couldn’t leave your house unless authorized, or you could only leave for an hour a week or an hour on alternating days. Some people are still required to mask in certain settings like public transportation.
We also developed new common language like “social distancing,” “personal protective equipment,” and “essential businesses.” Companies and organizations had to adjust and pivot, and churches were no exception to this. The return of attendees regularly to public places of worship has been slow, due to a number of reasons, but as people began to gather again, even if there were rules for spacing, a palpable relief—a joy—was felt at being able to worship together.
King Hezekiah invited all the people to come together. The separated kingdoms of Judah and Israel, the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, and even the foreigners in their midst pilgrimaged and gathered together, and there was great joy. In a portion of Scripture that is often dry with the process of religious restoration, the wording becomes almost poetic: “God heard them, for their prayer reached heaven” (v. 27).
Come together with many voices, for God hears from heaven.
Sandy Emmett is the director of care for Global Partners of The Wesleyan Church. She enjoys riding bicycles, hiking, walking her dogs, playing with her grandchildren, and reading a good book.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
