2 Chronicles 36:22-23
Chronicles does not end with the record of God’s judgment, but with the hope of restoration as promised through Cyrus king of Persia. “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the LORD his God be with him; go up then!’” (23) The tragedy of Israel’s wickedness is not the final word! The final word is the restoration of God’s people beginning by rebuilding God’s house. This was not merely a return to the promised land, but to rebuild God’s house as a place of gathering to worship and celebrate God. Many desire to return to God’s promises, but we must understand the central role of gathering to encourage each other by celebrating God. As we near Christ’s return we must remember this critical spiritual discipline and the sober warning recorded in Hebrews. “…and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)