2 Chronicles 30 - 5.8.25
SCRIPTURE: 2 Chronicles 30 - Hezekiah’s Passover
(1-5) The tribes of Israel are invited to celebrate the Passover.
(6-9) The letter to the tribes.
(10-12) The reaction to the letter in Israel and Judah. Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun; but they laughed at them and mocked them.
(13-17) Preparations and sacrifices made.
(18-20) God is merciful to the ignorant worshippers.
(21-22) Worship, teaching, and fellowship.
(23-27) The resulting joy and answered prayer.
OBSERVATION
To keep the Passover, Hezekiah sent this to all Israel and Judah, and also wrote letters to Ephraim.
Passover: This great feast celebrated the great and glorious deliverance of God on Israel’s behalf in the days of the Exodus (Exodus 12). It was a deliberate, emblematic reminder of the central act of redemption in the Old Testament (the deliverance from slavery in Egypt).
Since the time of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel, there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem: Since those days there had not been a Passover in Jerusalem so widely and enthusiastically celebrated. And the LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people. This was the greatest assembly gathered for a Passover in generations. Not only had the Passover been neglected in Judah for many years, but this Passover also included those from the remnant of the northern tribes who responded to the invitation.
This shows the wonderful and warm mercy of God. By the letter of the command, the people deserved judgment for their disobedience. Yet God showed His mercy and goodness to those who had prepared their heart to seek God, though in ignorance they did not do it all according to the commandments.
Passover to Communion
Their pattern of preparing to receive the Passover is instructive for those who come to the communion table, especially those who feel unworthy to partake of communion.
· They forgot their differences and came together as one people.
· They removed their idols. Examples today: things we spend time on distracting us from spending time praying and reading our bibles, attending church.
· They prepared their hearts.
· Their sins and ignorance were confessed.
· They prayed.
In Numbers 6:22-27, it was the duty of the priests to bless the people with these words: The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
APPLICATION
These promises were based on an eternal principle of God’s character: that He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him. God promises to draw near to those who draw near to Him. And for those of us who feel we aren’t participating enough, not sharing his word enough. Not seeing your prayers answered. And, maybe, feeling distant to HIM and not in His word enough, etc…SEEK HIM. His word is for everyone who seeks Him. And SEEK HIM in Prayer. AND always remember the purpose of communion.
PRAYER
Jesus, your word is a mighty sword—the sword of righteousness. And righteousness cuts down and destroys the doubts we may sometimes have of not being enough, not doing enough, not seeing prayers answered. And as Pastor Levi taught in his sermon, WHAT AM I DOING HERE!! You are the Lord, of purpose, patience and forgiveness and right now I pray, Jesus, this prayer for everyone who is in this season of life…SEEK HIM. and may HIS light shine upon you….the light of HIS glory.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword
And Lord, I was reminded of the importance of communion. Let me/us never forget the sacrifice you made for me/us so that we no longer celebrate the Passover, as described in these scriptures. When we take communion, we are remembering Your sacrifice on the cross and we celebrate a risen savior. With humble gratitude, thank you Jesus.
- Charleen Zakarian
