Week 11 – March 9-15, 2025:Doing What is Right

This week’s daily readings:

March 9-15, 2025

This week’s devotional:

Doing What is Right

by Rev. Justin Elerath

Scripture:

Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-nine years. His mother’s name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father David had done.
— 2 Chronicles 29:1-2 (NIV) 

Reflection:

The text this week, from 2 Chronicles, shows the accomplishments of King Hezekiah. I like how Chronicles starts off the story of each reign with a summary that reads either, “He did what is right in the eyes of the LORD” or the opposite. For example, with King Ahaz, “He did not do what was right in the eyes of the LORD.” These opening statements set the tone for what comes next. 

King Hezekiah became king of Judah at the age of twenty-five. This is a lot of authority for a twenty-five-year-old to handle! Today we would argue that he didn’t have the experience or education that would enable him to lead his people at that age. Yet, he is recognized for doing what is right in the eyes of the LORD. 

King Hezekiah reestablished worship in the temple in Jerusalem. He gathered the tribes, inviting them to come together to follow the LORD and reject the ways of their parents. He reestablished the sacrifices of the temple and gave instructions to the priests and Levites to be careful to prepare and do their jobs properly. 

It is easy for us to come up with excuses why we shouldn’t follow Jesus, why we wouldn’t come together for worship, or fellowship with believers. Excuses are always easy because they require no action on our part. But we are called to something more: something that does require action. We are called to obedience. Young age doesn’t get us off the hook; old age doesn’t get us off the hook, either. We are not excused because we are busy or because of our financial situation. 

How is the LORD calling you? Are you being receptive to that calling, or are you following Jonah’s approach and running away? Inactivity is a form of running away. I would challenge you to pray today that the LORD would reveal his calling on your life and give you the courage to follow through and do what’s right. As long as we are still breathing, God is not done with us! 

Prayer:

Lord, I know your eyes have seen the things I have done. You’ve seen my actions and, at times, my inaction. If it were up to me, it’s no guarantee I would ever do what is right in your eyes! And so, I come to you in prayer this week, asking for wisdom and guidance like only you can give. I need your Holy Spirit to light my way. Help me to study good examples from your word so I can understand your heart. I long to hear your calling for my life and then to be obedient – no excuses! And I ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen