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2 Chronicles 30 – Praying through the Bible #138 – A Prayer of Atonement
Unity is a joy; worship a privilege. Ending religious division takes work, often ending in partial success. Restoring right ways takes work, of the hands and heart; often the heart heals faster than the hands can work. Becoming king, Hezekiah sends couriers north, inviting apostates passed over in the Assyrian deportation. Despite their spiritually rebellious past as Golden Calves worshipers; despite their being part of a politically rebellious brother-kingdom; despite being the unwanted, weak and uneducated; Hezekiah wants them. Reminds me of Jesus (Luke 14:15-24). Some laugh at his request, some join. Make no mistake; this is not just human beings returning physically and spiritually: “The power of God was at work in Judah to unite them to carry out the command of the king and his official by the word of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 30.12).
Having missed the appointed time, the revival continues as they ensure they don’t miss the alternative (30.2-3; Numbers 9.1-14). But the timing and Northern naysayers won’t be the only obstacles. Restoration can be messy. Repentance in the heart means hard work by the hands, unclean hands faithfully becoming clean. Due to their desire to honor God, this Passover has many people who “had eaten contrary to what was written” (30.18). Conscious of former spiritual rebellions, Hezekiah prays for atonement because this ceremonial uncleanness is due to circumstances beyond their control (30.18). This is a very priestly action (1 Chron.6.49; 2 Chron.29.24), possibly foreshadowing Christ as King and Priest; very priestly but very different than Uzziah (26:16-20). The prayer’s result is spiritual healing (2 Chron.30.20). This is the same word referencing Hezekiah’s physical healing (2 Kings 20:5,8). Again this mimics Jesus as He tells people their faith has saved (sozo), or made them well (sozo), spiritually and physically. The faithful and righteous king is so convinced in God’s grace; he willingly leads an imperfect Passover. Their two choices are to not celebrate for another year; or to celebrate imperfectly, but as perfectly as possible. This teaches us a great lesson on how to view the faithfulness and righteousness of God as we approach Him in imperfect form, but with whole hearts (30.19). Faithfulness and righteousness is not just the letter of the law. Keep it as perfectly as possible, but trust in God’s grace for spiritual healing.
Repentant and united, God’s people celebrate God’s Passover; and “there was great rejoicing in Jerusalem for nothing like this was known since the days of Solomon son of David, the king of Israel” (30.26).
Following the example of their king and spiritual leader, “Then the priests and the Levites stood to bless the people, and God heard their voice, and their prayer came into His holy dwelling place in heaven” (30.27). From earthly temple to heavenly Temple, there is healing, unity and worship.
Prayer Challenge: Pray about your attitude toward those returning, and about how you would handle the situation when perfect obedience is circumstantially impossible.
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