For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
King Hezekiah throws open the doors and invites EVERYONE to come celebrate with God — even people who had wandered far away.
Today's Story
King Hezekiah wanted to hold a great celebration to thank God. So he sent messengers running all over the land with invitations. He invited everyone — even the people who lived far away and had wandered away from God for a long time.
The invitation said something kind: “Come back to the LORD. He is gracious and full of love. If you turn back to Him, He will welcome you.”
Some people laughed at the messengers and would not come. That made everyone sad. But many other people said yes! They traveled to Jerusalem with happy hearts, ready to worship God together.
What a party it was! There was singing and praising and so much joy that they did not want it to stop — so they kept celebrating for a whole extra week! The Bible says there had not been joy like that in Jerusalem for a very long time. God had welcomed His people home.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Have you ever been invited to a party? How did it feel to be wanted and included?
- God sent an invitation that said, “Come back, I will welcome you.” Why is it such good news that God always welcomes us back?
- Some people laughed and said no to the invite. If God is inviting you to come close to Him, how do you want to answer?