Passover celebration – Be Still…

2 Chronicles 30:10-27 – Celebrate God!

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.

2 Chronicles 30:1-9 – The Invitation

Read 2 Chronicles 30:1-9

King Hezekiah continues to want to bring honor to God. He is even “bending the rules,” to include more people. Hezekiah is doing his best to encourage more people to repent and return to God. He’s in the perfect position to exert his influence to make good things happen.

The celebration of Passover is approaching; and that is a big deal for Hezekiah and people following the LORD. From the sounds of it, Hezekiah’s plan is to bring all of Israel and Judah together to remember the miracle God worked in the lives of their ancestors.

Ezra 6:19-22 – Passover Celebration

Read Ezra 6:19-22

The first part of Ezra and the temple restoration ends with this passage – the celebration of Passover. It sounds like this was the first time the returnees celebrated this festival of remembrance since being back “home.” What a beautiful bridge to close the chapter of their past wrongs and open the new chapter full of promise of following the Lord and his decrees!

To celebrate the Passover is to remember how God showed up powerfully to save you. We can celebrate what Jesus did for us every day! Sharing in this celebration was a brilliant way to signify a unified heart devoted to God. Such a fitting end to the dedication festivities!