Read 2 Chronicles 30:10-27
What a celebration! I was holding my breath when Hezekiah made some ‘adjustments” to the rules in place regarding the Passover. But the LORD listened to Hezekiah’s prayer, and there was no punishment. Instead, people were healed, and many people celebrated Passover once more.
Hezekiah made a way for God’s name to be honored. Allegiance to God was restored because people remembered God’s rescue from slavery and provision in the wilderness. It’s important we never forget Jesus’s rescue mission for us.
The Chronicler must have loved this story. It was packed with worship and praise. The normal weeklong celebration exploded and was extended for a second week. Talk about a “mountain top experience!” It wasn’t just a few faithful people either. “The entire assembly of Judah rejoiced, including the priests, the Levites, all who came from the land of Israel, the foreigners who came to the festival, and all those who lived in Judah.”
How do you follow up such an event? It will be interesting to see how this plays out for Judah in the coming days. For today, let’s revel in the joy of coming together with the common purpose of worshiping God!
Of this magnificent scene, what spoke to you? My takeaway is from verse 12 which reads, “At the same time, God’s hand was on the people in the land of Judah, giving them all one heart to obey the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the Lord.” God was active in this festival beyond being in the place of honor. God helped orchestrate what was happening. God helped the organizers of this events because they were obeying him.
Have you ever wondered where God was in a particular situation? Maybe you haven’t sensed his presence the way you expected. This verse assures us that God is active among his people. God’s hand is at work to guide us when we are seeking to honor him.
Let’s pray. LORD, I am overjoyed that so many people were celebrating you in today’s reading! Many of them were people who had gone astray, worshipping idols. I long for such a revival today, LORD. It breaks my heart to see so many people turning away from you and putting the focus on themselves. Help me to stand strong and worship you with every breath that you give me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
