Moment With The Master
“The Essential Thing”
Categories: Moment With The Master"For a multitude of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the good LORD provide atonement for everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary." And the LORD listened to Hezekiah and healed the people. (2 Chronicles 30:18-20)
During the reign of Hezekiah, king of Judah, arrangements were made to observe the Passover. The sweeping reforms of this righteous king were designed to turn the heart of the nation away from idols and back to Jehovah.
A larger number of people assembled in Jerusalem in answer to the king’s invitation. A mixed assembly from regions of Judah, Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulon, with singleness of heart, united themselves to keep the Passover. This would be something many of them had never done.
Necessary preparation involved two things: 1) the purging of the city of idolatry which was carried out with great efficiency, and 2) the purification of the participants. However, a very interesting incident occurred during this celebration. Many who brought lambs had not been properly purified before engaging in the act of sacrifice and were not qualified to slay the lamb. In an act that was not according to the letter of the law, the Levites stood in their place. But, prayer was made by Hezekiah for those who ate the Passover contrary to what was written, and the Lord healed the people.
Hezekiah’s prayer for pardon was granted. We may also pray for the lost, however this does not relieve them of personal accountability. Each individual must repent of their sin, appeal to the Lord in a spirit of self-surrender, and choose for themselves the kingdom of heaven. We may not build on a brother’s help, or presume on a brother’s prayer. However, when Hezekiah prayed, the Lord healed the people.
These transgressions were forgiven by virtue of Hezekiah’s prayer. However, primarily God forgave them because he discerned in the people a spirit of obedience. Each one had prepared his heart to seek God, the LORD God of his fathers. Each one approached God with faith and submission. They had a strong desire to obey Jehovah.
It is this spirit of obedience which God demands of us. If that is absent, nothing else will suffice. If that is present the small details may be forgiven. To have a pure and deep desire to serve the Lord- that is the essential thing.
By George Slover
