말보다 말씀! 빚보다 빛!

[Key Verse]
“This is what Hezekiah did throughout Judah. He did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.”
(2 Chronicles 31:20–21, NIV)

[Our Story]
Our family used to take frequent trips out west—good old-fashioned road trips. Flying would have been quicker, but more expensive—and honestly, we didn’t want to miss the changing landscapes: the plains of Texas, the deserts of New Mexico, and the vast open spaces of Arizona and California. These days, the kids are bigger, and their complaints have grown, too, so we don't go as often. But every now and then, we look back on those memories and feel their quiet warmth. One time, we took a big family trip—my parents came from Korea, and we met up with my sister and brother-in-law, and my younger brother’s family from Chicago. We rented a 15-passenger van and traveled around the Grand Canyon. Along the way, we fell behind schedule. In order to make it to my nephew’s graduation on time, we had to drive through the night. As everyone else slept, I stayed awake with my brother-in-law and my younger brother, chatting to keep each other awake. Then something caught my eye outside the window. It felt like we weren’t traveling alone. Sure enough, there was a bright star in the sky—a morning star. The world around us was pitch black, but this one brilliant light shone like a lantern, faithfully journeying alongside us. It wasn’t just visible—it was radiant, almost as if heaven had placed it there for us. That morning star stayed with us until daybreak, a quiet companion cutting through the darkness. It was beautiful. It was comforting. And it felt like love.

[Bible Story]
 2 Chronicles 29-32 introduce King Hezekiah—a bright morning star shining among a long line of dim and wayward kings in Judah. He was different. While other kings appeared respectable on the outside but were rotten within, Hezekiah stood out with sincere devotion and spiritual clarity. He led a reformation of worship in Judah. He began by reopening the temple doors that his father, King Ahaz, had shut. He cleansed the temple and removed every trace of idolatry. The detestable objects were taken to the valley east of the city and burned. All of this took just sixteen days (2 Chronicles 29:17). Then Hezekiah led the people in a sin offering to repent and in a burnt offering to reestablish pure worship (2 Chronicles 29:20–36). He also restored the Passover celebration (2 Chronicles 30). Ideally, it would have been held in the first month, but due to ritual impurity, it was delayed to the second month, in accordance with Numbers 9:9–11. Hezekiah even interceded in prayer for those who participated improperly—and the Lord heard him and healed them (2 Chronicles 30:20). Joy filled Jerusalem like never before (2 Chronicles 30:26). The people responded with passion and devotion: they destroyed their idols and offered generous gifts (2 Chronicles 31). Hezekiah supported the priests, wisely distributed the offerings, and brought order to worship once more. Even in war, Hezekiah triumphed. When King Sennacherib of Assyria invaded, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer. The Lord responded by sending an angel who struck down the Assyrian army. Though Hezekiah faltered with pride later and became ill, he repented, and God extended his life. In a time of spiritual darkness, Hezekiah became the dawn’s bright star in Judah.

[Your Story]
Have you ever felt weary while trying to remain faithful in the midst of darkness? Have you stood alone in worship and felt the weight of isolation? Even when no one recognizes your efforts—when your quiet devotion goes unnoticed—know this: you are fulfilling the sacred duty of being a light in the darkness. And if, amid a culture steeped in idols and distractions, you manage to keep your worship pure and your faith sincere, you are fulfilling the life-giving mission of a light-bearer. Like the morning star that shone in the desert sky, you reflect the beauty and love of God. I hope you will be someone’s light today. As Jesus said:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:14–16)

With joy and hope,
Rev. Hyung Joong Kim
Copyrightⓒ 2025 by Hyung Joong Kim