Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God--the Lord, the God of his fathers--even if his is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary." And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.
2 Chronicles 30:18-20 NIV
God is just, everlasting, incomparable, powerful, gracious, loving, jealous, present, vigilant, protective, and among other attributes, concerned.
We have thus far read many episodes of Israelites not adhering to God's direction; grumbling about many given laws among themselves and to Moses; and blatant disobedience to God's law, commands, and plan. Grumbling, disobedience to God's law is sin and sin results in death. We recall Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10 when unauthorized fire was given. They died as a result. We recall much death during the exodus as a result of disobedience; not entering the promised land as directed lead to the death of all included in the census except Caleb and Joshua. Recall many other examples of sin and death that we have read about.
Reflect today on God's grace and the power of prayer. Here we read of unpurified individuals partaking in the passover meal. This is against God's plan for the passover meal and as a result, a sin and as a result of sin, death is expected, for the wages of sin is death.
Hezekiah, a king now following God with his heart intercedes for the unpurified tribe members of Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun. As a result of Hezekiah's prayer, heard by the Lord, the Lord took action and healed the people.
The Lord commands obedience, however we live in a fractured and fallen world and our sinful nature prevents us from being able to fulfill the law. God's grace has been given to all. We have read in Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV: But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.
We are challenged to look for the Lord our God with all our hearts and soul. As a result, we must gain the wisdom to look for the Lord with all our hearts and soul, and not be pursuing worthless idols.
Again we live in a fractured and fallen world: It is only by the grace of God, by the love,care and concern of God for us that he gave us his plan of salvation to make us acceptable through His Son.
What do you daily focus on as you pursue your goals?
What role does prayer have in your daily life?
How do you intercede for others who have challenges and who have special needs for God's grace, comfort and assurance?
Pray for the fruits of the spirit to be given in abundance to pastors and ministers.
In Christ
David P
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