After years of neglect and indifference, Hezekiah opened the doors of the temple in Jerusalem. A fresh king, Hezekiah intended to right the wrongs of his father. He began the restoration process in the very first month of his reign.

After months of preparations, the nation celebrated Passover in grand style—Since the days of Solomon son of David king of Israel there had been nothing like this in Jerusalem.

But in their rush to worship, not all the people purified themselves according to instruction. Hezekiah prayed for them: May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God…even if they are not clean according to the rules. And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.

I love both the prayer and the Lord’s response. Hezekiah intended to lead his people back to the Lord, and they followed wholeheartedly. Not wanting anyone punished for their enthusiasm, Hezekiah went to his knees. The Lord answered, once again underlining the principle that faith proves more valuable that religious ritual.

We read it over and over both in the Old Testament and New. Samuel corrected Saul with the words—to obey is better than sacrifice, while Jesus healed on the Sabbath. Ritual helps point us to the divine, but it’s the attitude of our heart that the Lord recognizes.

We may not always present everything right and proper, but if the heart seeks the Lord, then the Lord takes note.

That’s encouraging.

2 Chronicles 30 in week thirty-six of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Edwin Andrade