The Power of Enouragement

OT: 2 Chronicles 29-30
NT: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14

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2 Chronicles 30:21-22 — The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great rejoicing, while the Levites and priests sang to the LORD every day, accompanied by the LORD’s instruments of praise. Hezekiah spoke encouragingly to all the Levites, who showed good understanding of the service of the LORD. For the seven days they ate their assigned portion and offered fellowship offerings and praised the LORD, the God of their fathers.

Encouragement can be a powerful thing. It can pick you up off the ground, dust you off, and pat you on the back as you resume your walk. It can wipe your wound and smother your fear, and lift your spirit when you're at the lowest point of your heart. Encouragement is a powerful thing. A lack of it can tear someone down by leading them into feelings of self doubt and worthlessness. They can easily lose heart and give up without knowing how they're doing and what they're worth. Encouragement is a vital characteristic for a leader, and Hezekiah demonstrated it well.

Levi was the tribe from which the priests originated, and when Hezekiah ascended to the throne and decided to rededicate the nation and the temple to the Lord, he needed the priests to help him. But because there was a shortage of priests, the non-priest Levites were called upon to step in and help with the repair and maintenance of the Temple. Hezekiah, knowing that these men were not accustomed to the religious service of their brethren, encouraged them verbally, and the Levites responded by doing as great job. Encouragement is a powerful thing. It motivates like a cool lake on the horizon in the midst of the desert. Are you encouraging one another? Can you do more to notice the efforts of those around you -- perhaps those under your authority?

Be God's.