DAY 193 Read 2 Chronicles 30 and 31.
Today's reading: Good King Hezekiah's all-out efforts to restore true religion in Judah brought his people to a spiritual high by observing the long-neglected Passover.
Memory gem: "There was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 30:26).
Thought for today:
"The good beginning made at the time of the purification of the temple was followed by a broader movement, in which Israel as well as Judah participated. In his zeal to make the temple services a real blessing to the people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient custom of gathering the Israelites together for the celebration of the Passover feast.
"For many years the Passover had not been observed as a national festival. The division of the kingdom after the close of Solomon's reign had made this seem impracticable. But the terrible judgments befalling the ten tribes were awakening in the hearts of some a desire for better things; and the stirring messages of the prophets were having their effect. By royal couriers the invitation to the Passover at Jerusalem was heralded far and wide, 'from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulum.' The bearers of the gracious invitation were usually repulsed. The impenitent turned lightly aside; nevertheless some, eager to seek God for a clearer knowledge of His will, 'humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.'...
"The occasion was one of the greatest profit to the multitudes assembled. The desecrated streets of the city were cleared of the idolatrous shrines placed there during the reign of Ahaz. On the appointed day the Passover was observed; and the week was spent by the people in offering peace offerings, and in learning what God would have them do. Daily the Levites 'taught the good knowledge of the Lord;' and those who had prepared their hearts to seek God, found pardon. A great gladness took possession of the worshiping multitude;...all were united in their desire to praise Him who had proved so gracious and merciful."--Prophets and Kings, pp. 335-337.
Today's reading: Good King Hezekiah's all-out efforts to restore true religion in Judah brought his people to a spiritual high by observing the long-neglected Passover.
Memory gem: "There was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem" (2 Chronicles 30:26).
Thought for today:
"The good beginning made at the time of the purification of the temple was followed by a broader movement, in which Israel as well as Judah participated. In his zeal to make the temple services a real blessing to the people, Hezekiah determined to revive the ancient custom of gathering the Israelites together for the celebration of the Passover feast.
"For many years the Passover had not been observed as a national festival. The division of the kingdom after the close of Solomon's reign had made this seem impracticable. But the terrible judgments befalling the ten tribes were awakening in the hearts of some a desire for better things; and the stirring messages of the prophets were having their effect. By royal couriers the invitation to the Passover at Jerusalem was heralded far and wide, 'from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulum.' The bearers of the gracious invitation were usually repulsed. The impenitent turned lightly aside; nevertheless some, eager to seek God for a clearer knowledge of His will, 'humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.'...
"The occasion was one of the greatest profit to the multitudes assembled. The desecrated streets of the city were cleared of the idolatrous shrines placed there during the reign of Ahaz. On the appointed day the Passover was observed; and the week was spent by the people in offering peace offerings, and in learning what God would have them do. Daily the Levites 'taught the good knowledge of the Lord;' and those who had prepared their hearts to seek God, found pardon. A great gladness took possession of the worshiping multitude;...all were united in their desire to praise Him who had proved so gracious and merciful."--Prophets and Kings, pp. 335-337.
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