2 Chronicles 30
Scripture:
17 Since many in the crowd had not consecrated themselves, the Levites had to kill the Passover lambs for all those who were not ceremonially clean and could not consecrate [their lambs] to the LORD.
18 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
19 who sets his heart on seeking God–the LORD, the God of his fathers–even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.”
20 And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people.
Observation:
When people come together to worship it touches the heart of God. This entire chapter is narrating the celebration of the Passover and worshiping God for what He has done. I appreciate that God hears Hezekiah’s prayer for those who had not purified themselves according to the law and custom. Because of their hearts, God looked passed the rules. This shows us that the most important aspect of our worship is our hearts (vs. 18-19). It is important for us to consider the desire of our heart when we enter into a season of worship. This may be a song portion of a service or it may be what you do everyday at work as an act of worship. Regardless of the action, may our hearts be focused on the seeking the Lord as you worship Him for the things He has done.
Application:
- Personal Application: Pause for a second and write down a few things that God has done for you. Has God answered a prayer? Has God been there for you or has He provided for you? Take some time to worship God for who He is and what He has done. Tell your family how the goodness of God has affected your life.
- Family Devotional: Read this passage to your family. Discuss with them the importance of “why we worship” and “how we worship.” Ask them if there is anything they want to worship God for what He has done in their life. Encourage them to pause throughout the day to thank God for who He is and what He has done. Pray for them.
Prayer:
- Personal Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you pause, remove the distractions of life, and focus your heart on Him during seasons of worship.
- Family Prayer Focus: Pray that your family will continually see God’s hand in their life and that they will take time out of their day to worship Him for it.
Three Year Reading Plan for Sunday, September 20 – Sunday, September 27:
- Sunday, September 20: 2 Chronicles 23
- Monday, September 21: 2 Chronicles 24
- Tuesday, September 22: 2 Chronicles 25
- Wednesday, September 23: 2 Chronicles 26-27
- Thursday, September 24: 2 Chronicles 28
- Friday, September 25: 2 Chronicles 29
- Saturday, September 26: 2 Chronicles 30
- Sunday, September 27: 2 Chronicles 31
—TOM GROOT is National Director of Men’s Ministry and Christian Education. Connect with Tom on Facebook or Twitter @TomGrootJr.
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