March 3, 2023

HE HEALED THEM

2 Chronicles 30:18-20

Most of the people from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not cleansed themselves, but 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, even though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” And the Lord listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.

Encouraging Words

Before Christ, the new Covenant, the Jewish people followed the law that God gave to Moses. This law had some very rigorous rules for cleansing before the celebration of Passover. In this passage we find Hezekiah interceding for a group of people who were not able to do this cleansing but had a heart for God and desired to participate in the Passover. God heard Hezekiah's petitions and provided healing. Jesus fulfilled these laws and has called everyone to join Him at His table. We must be careful to not allow our commitment to fasting during this time of Lent to come between us and our brothers and sisters. We are not to lord it over others because we think we are more pious and doing the fast better than them. We are not to be putting others down because we judge them and accuse them of not fasting properly or enough. As my dear friend, Archpriest Fr. Ted often taught, "I am to not look at my brothers plate." Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy on us all!