Truth and Unity, Part 2: Gather Around the Foot of His Throne

Editor’s note: This series is taken from a talk given by a Chinese theological teacher and trainer at a conference in Hong Kong in 2014. It has been edited from transcriptions of the original talk. Make sure you check out yesterday’s post and next week for the whole series!

Let us look at 2 Chronicles 30. 

This passage talks about how King Hezekiah led the Israelites. Israel’s southern and northern kingdoms came together to the temple to observe Passover. This story is a great example of unity.

Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the LORD at Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD, the God of Israel. For the king and his princes and all the assembly in Jerusalem had taken counsel to keep the Passover in the second month for they could not keep it at that time because the priests had not consecrated themselves in sufficient number, nor had the people assembled in Jerusalem and the plan seemed right to the king and all the assembly. (2 Chronicles 30:1-4)

Did you notice that truth and unity are embodied in these four verses? Where you see truth here? It is when Israel and Judah come together to observe the Passover they must observe, guarding the truth. Now where do you see unity? The Passover was originally observed in the first month of the Jewish calendar. Historically, all the Israelites hoped to return to Jerusalem for it. The hope is not only for Judah, but also for Israel. Their discussion about what to do dragged on for one month. So we notice that the leader and his people all think the plan seemed right – truth and unity is not in conflict here.

Back in chapter 29, we find some background. Hezekiah ascended the throne at the age of twenty five, and bravely, he started to repair the temple. He used the whole month to restore the temple, alter, and worship. In roughly the same year, he discussed returning to the laws of Moses and observing Passover with the leaders. This is a really important point. According to Hezekiah, all of Israel, the whole people group, must return to Jerusalem since the Old Testament requires that in one year everyone must go to Jerusalem three times for worship. Passover was one of these festivals for remembering the Exodus from Egypt.

Hezekiah first worked for a revival starting with the alter. If you know the Old Testament, according to the book of Kings, there is no account of this. In Kings, it is recorded that Hezekiah was a righteous and good king, there was no king like him. The revival was not recorded there. This is an important detail to notice. Why? The background of the return is recorded in Chronicles to talk about the unity of Israel. Israel was conquered, and eventually Judah was also conquered, and during their return, they hoped for future revival – a revival for all the descendants of Judah, Ephraim, and the descendants of Israel to gather together. They were expecting the Messiah to come, and lead to the end times, bringing the permanent king and great high priest’s kingdom down to earth. This was their hope. Of course, we know that this hope had not yet occurred.  

But today, when we are thinking about truth and unity, we have one thing that is different from the Israelites, which is that we believe that the Messiah has already come. The Messiah is among us. He brought his perfect self as an offering, to be our sacrificial lamb for Passover. Only by his blood can our sins be covered and God redeem us. Only his precious blood can clean the temple. Only his own body can become the temple, where God and the people can commune. 

Elder Yang has reminded me that when God calls the remnant to return to Jerusalem, and we are heading toward the new Jerusalem, it is not an easy path to take. It is a pilgrim’s road. Not only do we think of Israel’s difficulties when they heard the call to assemble, but we also experience difficulties as we come together from all the nations, including Asia and China. God is calling his sons and daughters to gather around the foot of his future throne, and to form heaven and earth’s greatest temple, which is Jesus Christ’s body, the church. This unity is important. We want to experience the effects of truth and unity together, [despite the difficult road,] so that the hope of the gospel and of future revival will come upon us. 

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Further Reading

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Sharing the Gospel in a Fast-Changing Culture
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Xiamen: Pray for New Testimonies of God's Power
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Xiamen: Longing for Depth
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA

With rising pressure and persecution in China, there are two challenges imperative for church leaders. The first challenge is for current leaders to love Christ above all else, and not to stray into legalism or love of the world. The second challenge is to raise up the next generation of leaders, who will humbly model Jesus even if current leaders are arrested.

WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA? PRAY FOR:

  1. Current leaders to grow in their daily walks with Christ
  2. Current leaders to shepherd and raise up new leaders
  3. New leaders who love Christ and will model him to the world
  4. New leaders to love and care for the church

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ABOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

About Shenyang

Shenyang is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Liaoning Province. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, including the Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shenyang is also a hub for China’s heavy industry, with companies such as the China First Automobile Group and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation having their headquarters in the city.

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About Qingdao

Qingdao is a city located in eastern China and is famous for its beaches, beer, and seafood. The city is home to several landmarks, including the Zhanqiao Pier and the Badaguan Scenic Area. Qingdao is also a major port and has a thriving economy, with industries such as electronics, petrochemicals, and machinery.

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About Xiamen

Xiamen is a city located in southeastern China and is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful coastal scenery, including Gulangyu Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also a hub for China’s high-tech industry, with companies such as Huawei and ZTE having research and development centers in Xiamen.

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About Nanjing

Nanjing is a city located in eastern China and is the capital of Jiangsu Province. It is one of China’s ancient capitals and has a rich cultural history, including the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the Nanjing City Wall, and the Confucius Temple. Nanjing is also a modern city with a thriving economy and is home to several universities, including Nanjing University and Southeast University.

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About Changchun

Changchun is a city located in northeastern China and is the capital of Jilin Province. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several historical landmarks such as the Puppet Emperor’s Palace and the Jingyuetan National Forest Park. Changchun is also a hub for China’s automotive industry, with several major automobile manufacturers having their headquarters in the city.

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About Guangzhou

Guangzhou, also known as Canton, is a city located in southern China and is the capital of Guangdong Province. It is one of the country’s largest and most prosperous cities, serving as a major transportation and trading hub for the region. Guangzhou is renowned for its modern architecture, including the Canton Tower and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as its Cantonese cuisine, which is famous for its variety and bold flavors. The city also has a rich history, with landmarks such as the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees. Additionally, Guangzhou hosts the annual Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China.

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About Kunming

Kunming is a city located in southwest China and is the capital of Yunnan Province. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate, Kunming is a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity. The city is home to several scenic spots, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Western Hills. Kunming is also famous for its unique cuisine, which features a mix of Han, Yi, and Bai ethnic flavors. The city has a rich cultural history, with ancient temples and shrines like the Yuantong Temple and the Golden Temple, and it’s also a hub for Yunnan’s ethnic minority cultures, such as the Yi and Bai peoples.

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About Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a city located in southeastern China and is one of the country’s fastest-growing metropolises. The city is renowned for its thriving tech industry, with companies such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI having their headquarters in Shenzhen. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and parks. Shenzhen is also known for its modern architecture, such as the Ping An Finance Center and the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. Despite its modernization, Shenzhen also has a rich history and cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Dapeng Fortress and the Chiwan Tin Hau Temple.

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About Chengdu

Chengdu is a city located in the southwestern region of China, and the capital of Sichuan province. It has a population of over 18 million people, and it is famous for its spicy Sichuan cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and its cute and cuddly residents – the giant pandas. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where visitors can observe these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The city also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous temples, museums, and historical sites scattered throughout its boundaries. Chengdu is a city of contrasts, with ancient traditions coexisting alongside modern developments, making it an intriguing and fascinating destination for visitors to China. 

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About Beijing

Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people. The city has a rich history that spans over 3,000 years, and it has served as the capital of various dynasties throughout China’s history. Beijing is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in China, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The city is also a hub for political, cultural, and educational activities, with numerous universities and research institutions located within its boundaries. Beijing is renowned for its traditional architecture, rich cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene, making it a must-visit destination for travelers to China.

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About Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the eastern coast of China. It is the largest city in China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 24 million people. Shanghai is a global financial hub and a major center for international trade, with a rich history and culture that spans over 1,000 years. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, which features towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also home to a diverse culinary scene, world-class museums and art galleries, and numerous shopping districts. It is a city that is constantly evolving and reinventing itself, making it a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

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