The city of Jerusalem seem like it was on the right track to return to the Lord but there were things that were missing in their total return to the Lord. King Hezekiah wanted to reintroduce the feast of the Passover which was the basis of being restored to their freedom from captivity and as a thriving nation. He sent messages/letters to all of Judah and Israel to whomever would listen to bring them back to the Lord. Despite the fact that the feast would be celebrated a month later than usual, he was bent upon re instituting this ritual. In his letter, he reminded the Israelites of their roots and who was the true blessing of the people. Coming back to the Lord would mean the end of their captivity and exile due to the Assyrians and the Lord's wrath and towards prosperity. Some scoffed and rejected the plea but several tribes took this to heart and returned to the Lord. The letter encouraged them to return to Jerusalem to worship at the temple which was constructed for the Lord.
Such an encouragement to see that there were people who were tired of disobedience and suffering would take this opportunity to be restored. The Gospel for them appealed to those whose ground was ready to take seed. There is no difference between then and now, there may not be a feast to come back to but there is the Lord and his goodness. More importantly, there is eternal life and no condemnation for those who believe and are restored. What a wonderful Savior!
Hectic day at work yesterday. Seems like the rule rather than the exception and it was my late day to boot. Still much accomplished.
Praise for today: Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord? Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord? Jeremiah 23: 23-24
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