TITLE: King SCRIPTURE: -32

BIG IDEA: With the death of the corrupt King and an impending enemy on the brink of invasion, the majority of God’s people found themselves in a near complete state of disarray. We are then introduced to good King Hezekiah who led the nation through chaos, into repentance and dependence upon the Lord. His is a life marked by prayer and godly reformation.

1. HEZEKIAH’S WORSHIP – READ 2 Chronicles 29:1-30 CONTEXT: Within the first month of his reign, Hezekiah began to reform Judah’s worship by restoring the temple which his father, King Ahaz, had closed. He demonstrated a similar heart of obeying the word of the Lord that his ancestor, King , had. Throughout Hezekiah’s reign, he instructed the , priests, and officials to consecrate themselves for the work of the Lord, offering sacrifices in the temple, and singing songs of worship to the Lord alongside the people of Judah. A. Given the way that his father had reigned as king, what makes Hezekiah different? What else do we observe about Hezekiah as he is introduced in verses 1 and 2? B. What actions did Hezekiah take in the first month of his reign? How would you characterize his instructions to the Levites and priests and what was their response? C. How is his character and leadership of God’s people a good example for those in the wake of devastation? Where else in scripture do we find God’s desire for our repentance and reconciliation? D. Within our culture, what idols frequently interfere with our worship of God? Over the past week, what is something you have learned about yourself that needs reform?

2. RECONCILING THE PEOPLE OF GOD – READ :6-11 CONTEXT: Following the renovation of the temple and their initial services, Hezekiah’s efforts turned to reuniting the separated people of the north and south in worship. He wanted all the Israelites, including those left in the recently ransacked Northern Kingdom, to rededicate themselves to the right worship of Yahweh. While many wanted no part in it, some responded positively and joined in celebration of . Make no mistake, revival was upon the people of God. A. How are Hezekiah’s letters of invitation similar to his instructions to the priests and Levites? Why do you think he is clear to communicate the failures of the previous generation in Israel? B. What’s the difference between an emotional response and true worship? How does confession of sin and obedience demonstrate a trust in the providence and goodness of God? C. What does reconciliation look like with others around us, and what needs to happen first to make it a reality?

PRAYER & ACTION A. PRAYER: Pray for our community, our leaders, and our congregation at Austin Ridge that we might seek right worship personally and unity corporately. Ask that the Lord reveal sin and give us a heart of repentance and forgiveness. B. ACTION: In your time alone with the Lord this week, list out the idols in your life that have inhibited your worship of God and what it would take to pull down those idols. Seek out another believer whom you trust and share your list.