Hezekiah prayed for them, saying,
“May the good Lord pardon
everyone who prepares his heart to
seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though not according to the purification
rules of the sanctuary.” So the
Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. (vv.18b-20)
At this
time the ten northern tribes were in great disarray and in the process of being
led into captivity by the Assyrians. To unite the people, Hezekiah sent a
proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba even to Dan, that they
should come to Jerusalem to keep the Passover to the LORD (v.5). He encouraged
them to lay down their differences and, “return to the LORD who is gracious and
merciful, and will not turn His face from them” (v.9).
Typically,
even as we see today, though the people of Israel were going through great
troubles, trials, and difficulties, “they laughed them (the messengers) to
scorn, and mocked them” (v.10). However, a few from Israel responded positively
and came to Jerusalem to enjoy the revival and eat of the Passover (v.11). Even
though those who came had not gone through the “purification ceremony” outlined
in the Scriptures, they were not turned away. Because their hearts were
inclined to, “seek the LORD”, Hezekiah interceded to God in prayer for their
ceremonial purification, and his prayer was heard (vv.18-20).
We too can
be like the messengers in this story, inviting family or friends to church. Yes
some may laugh or give a cutting remark, but your faithfulness will be
rewarded, seeds have been planted, God will give the increase, and eventually
some will come. Once the word goes out, be like Hezekiah and intercede for them
to God in prayer. For His desire is, “that none should perish, but all should
come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
