“Hezekiah did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. Every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart.
“After these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah and encamped against the fortified cities…When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and intended to fight against Jerusalem, he planned with his officers and mighty men to stop the water of the springs that were outside the city; and they helped him. A great many people were gathered, and they stopped all the springs and the brook that flowed through the land, saying, ‘Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water?’ He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. He set combat commanders over the people and gathered them together to him in the square at the gate of the city and spoke encouragingly to them, saying, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed before the king of Assyria and all the horde that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God, to help us and to fight our battles. And the people took confidence from the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 31:20-32:8
King Hezekiah regularly gathered with his God, which equipped him with great effectiveness in leading Judah. Seeking the Lord with all his heart was a magnetic example and inspiration for his people, and afforded great wisdom in guiding them through enemy threats. He gathered leaders for strategic planning, focused building, and ready, confident defense. As a result, all were encouraged in the One who would fight for them. His faithfulness did not protect him from hardship, but fortified him in it.
There is great benefit in gathering together under godly leadership and among devout friends. We learn principles and practices based on scripture, and can together build defenses against the culture’s onslaught. Together we gain understanding and refine thinking. Together we hone skills and multiply strength. Together under the word our hearts and hands are encouraged to do more than we could alone. Together we hope and believe and stand fast against accusation and criticism, and expectantly look for the Lord’s intervention. And when the Lord brings victory, together we contribute to the praise God deserves. (2 Chronicles 32:9-23)
Where is my place in the gathering of God’s people? Do I shrink back from exposing vulnerability or getting involved because of insecurity or self-consciousness? Have I disordered priorities to put my own interests first? Have I grown lazy about gathering together to accommodate ease, comfort, and control, and neglected my call to common service, support, and mutual upbuilding?
When do I regularly gather with my Lord? How am I specifically encouraging my leaders by prayer, giving, expressing appreciation? How do I contribute to and cooperate with their initiatives?
Lord, help me give to and glean from the gathering of Your people, and so magnify Your power and glory.
As the rain and snow 