"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

 

Then Samuel told him everything, and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him." (1 Samuel 3:18)

The story of Eli’s sons is one of the most tragic in Bible history. This national leader of Israel was a failure as a father.  The scripture says:  "his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them”. (1 Samuel 3:13)  Because of his laxity God would punish the house of Eli.

To add further tension, God would commission Samuel, Eli’s replacement, to reconfirm God’s pronounced judgment.  Samuel must have had lumps in his throat when he approached Eli with his message from God.  However,  Eli’s remarkable attitude surely eased the mind of Samuel.  And he said, "What is the word that the LORD spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you." (1 Samuel 3:17)  Then Samuel tells him everything.  Eli’s reply is recorded above.

With all hope vanquished that God would change his mind, Eli reverently accepts his plight.  What a truly sad picture!  “This is the Lord’s will and no one can change it!”  Midst his glaring failure, we see the bright side of Eli’s character- humble resolution!

In Eli’s words we see three important features of God’s character: 1) God is just:  the family of Eli would receive all that it deserved, 2) God is sovereign:  “Let him do what seems good”.  It is vain to contend against God.  His purposes will be fulfilled, 3) God is good:  Though it must have been difficult to accept, Eli acknowledges that God always does what is right.

With these thoughts in mind, we must live in the fear of God, grateful for His patience, but with the challenge to live with no regrets.  We will surely make mistakes, but we must have the courage to change that we might be pleasing to the Lord.

George Slover 


 

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)

The above words seem strange, especially in the light of such passages as 
I Peter 1:17:  “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear”.  One passage seems to imply that one’s conduct is to be motivated by fear.  The other passage seems to teach that the Christian is to have no fear.  How do we resolve this supposed conflict?

The word “fear” (phobos) is a neutral word that can have both a harmful or useful connotation depending upon the context.  Two common uses of phobos in classical Greek are 1) to be stricken with panic or dread, or 2) to have awe or reverence for one who is infinitely superior.

The last use of the word (reverence) certainly applies to one’s life with God.  Between God and man there is intimacy, but not familiarity.  Man is to be lost in wonder and praise with God.  It was the impetus behind the early church:  “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” (Acts 9:31)  Or, Paul says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” (Philippians 2:12)  Thus, God’s child, living in the shadow of eternity,  must stand in awe of the presence of God!

However, when fear turns to phobia it can have a crippling effect.  Thus, John says “perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment”.  The Christian is not to live in constant dread of punishment, but a continual awareness of God’s love and grace.

There can be no perfect walk with God without a sense of awe and reverence.  It can be a great deterrent to sin.  But, when such reverence turns to phobia it can stunt one’s walk, which because it has lost its grace, it has lost its assurance, and because it has lost its assurance, it has lost its glory.

by George Slover
 

But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24)

These verses mark the climax of this great letter.  In keeping with the theme, the author provides a contrast between the Mosaic dispensation and the Christian dispensation.  Fiery Mount Sinai is the emblem of the Mosaic law.  The heavenly city of Jerusalem symbolizes privileges and blessings that flow from a new relationship in Christ.

Pictures of God’s people are found throughout the New Testament.  God’s people are the “church” (Ephesians 1:22,23), the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22,23), the “temple of God” (Ephesians 2:19-22), the “living stones” (I Peter 2:5), the “bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23-33), and “Christ’s sheep”. (John 1:14-15; 25-30)  In this context we have a seven-fold description of God and his people.

Consider each of these seven descriptions.  First, they had come to “Mount Zion”, the city of God.  They had come into the presence of God, the heavenly Jerusalem.  Second, they were in the presence of an “innumerable company of angels”.  These angels rejoice when just one sinner repents.  Third, they had come to the “church of the firstborn”.  All of the rights of God’s inheritance go to the firstborn.  Fourth, they came to “God, the judge of all”.  They must live out of reverence to Him.  Fifth, they had come to the “spirits of just men made perfect”.  They were in company with saints of old – Abraham, Sarah, David, etc.  Sixth, they had come to “Jesus, the mediator”.  He is the source of all of their hopes and dreams.  Seventh, they had come to “the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel”.  While Abel’s blood cries out “condemnation”,  Christ blood shouts “you are forgiven”!  Each of  these must have filled their souls with excitement!  

What should these truths mean to us?  They should remind us of  things heavenly and eternal!  However, with these great blessings come great responsibilities!  These images should create in our heart a longing for fellowship.  We need God and his  people!  Thus, the Hebrew author commands: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

By George Slover


 

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12)

John’s gospel begins by abruptly announcing that God (vs.1) became flesh (vs. 14) and took up residence among men.  Though many rejected him, some received him.  Those who received him were given the highest honor- the right to be the sons of God.

According to the text, receiving Jesus equals believing in his name.  His name is significant whether it is “Christ” or “Immanuel”.  His name sets before us the object of faith.  One becomes a son of God on the condition of faith in Christ.  (Galatians 3:26,27)  There is no son-ship without this living faith.

Faith in Christ involves more than mere belief of truth, though that is involved.  It involves more than just believing:  “Jesus died for me”.   It is trusting in the person of Christ.  One must believe on Christ for salvation.  They must trust him as the all-sufficient mediator and obey him as Lord.  (Mt. 7:21-23)

Just what is offered to those who receive Jesus?  They are given the right to become children of God.  This exalted position is more than a title.  It involves participation in the greatest blessing a human can receive including the promise of being the heir of an eternal home.  (Rm. 8:17,18)  However, this exalted position comes with responsibilities that accompany this noble relationship. (Eph. 4:1,2)  

Sadly, John tells us (Jn. 1:10,11) the majority, including the educated and influential, rejected him.  It is easy to follow the crowd.  Following Jesus involves independence and a decision of character.  However, the rewards will be well worth it.  It is better to accept the one who was “despised and rejected of men” than to reap the consequences of rejecting him.

By George Slover