“So the service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished. Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly” (2 Chronicles 29:35-36)

Take a minute right now and reflect on your life. What does it look like? How is your relationship with God? How much time do you set aside for the Word and prayer? How are your relationships with other people? Your spouse? Your children? Your parents? Your coworkers? Do you have an attitude of serving others or serving self?

If you’re being honest, you’re probably not much different than me, it’s not looking too pretty. In fact, it’s a mess! That’s exactly what the nation of Judah was: a mess. The previous king, Ahaz, had shut the doors of the Lord’s temple, sacrificed his sons to idols, and set up altars to false gods on every street corner in Jerusalem. Yep, a mess!

And yet, in amazing love, after Ahaz died, God gave Judah another day of grace, He raised up Hezekiah. Hezekiah reopened the temple, reconsecrated the temple, reestablished worship to the true God, in short, he rededicated himself and the people back to the Lord. What grace!

I don’t know what messes are plaguing your life right now, but I do know this: God’s “mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV). Today is another day of God’s grace. Today is another day to be reminded of who you are: a precious child of God redeemed and rescued by the blood of His eternal Son.

It’s His grace that enables us to change. This Advent season, as you prepare for your coming King, rededicate! Rededicate yourself to living in His Word and according to His will. It’s not too late, start today! Washed in Jesus’ blood remove your idols, get rid of whatever is coming between you and God, throw out whatever is getting in the way of your relationship with spouse and children and others, trash ungodly attitudes and desires. Rededicate yourself to live as who you are: God’s precious child.

Living in grace, just like you,
pastor