Scripture
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 – Most of those who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves. But King Hezekiah prayed for them, and they were allowed to eat the Passover meal anyway, even though this was contrary to the requirements of the Law. For Hezekiah said, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon those who decide to follow the Lord, the God of their ancestors, even though they are not properly cleansed for the ceremony.” And the Lord listened to Hezekiah’s prayer and healed the people.
Observation-
The people from the northern tribes who came to Judah for Passover celebration were not ceremonially clean. King Hezekiah prayed to God for the people who had decided to turn and follow God to have the Passover meal. God heard the prayer of King Hezekiah and responded by making the people right with Him.
Application –
King Hezekiah realized the sin of the people of Judah and Israel and he repented by cleaning the Temple and having a Passover celebration open to all of Israel that would honor God. Hezekiah delayed the celebration by a month in order to be spiritually ready. Then he prayed for God to open and accept the people who wanted to follow God instead of adhering to the Law. God heard the prayer and heals the people as God is more concerned about people’s hearts than ritual. I must follow the path of King Hezekiah and be repentant of sin in my life. I must prepare myself and be spiritually ready by being in the word and listening to the Spirit to follow God’s time/plan. Pray to God for people’s hearts and minds to be open and accept Jesus right where they are without any ceremonial cleanup. Jesus’ sacrifice to cover our sin cleanses us and makes us right with God when we place our faith and trust in the finished work of the Messiah. As evidenced by Jesus life, we know that he is more concerned about the condition of heart than ritual ceremony.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for this example of King Hezekiah and the truth in your word. Let me repent of the sin in my life, follow you and love people to bring glory to your Kingdom.