When God’s Spirit is at work, Jesus Christ will be glorified, and God’s people will be unified. Hezekiah called the whole nation back to the celebration of the Passover, the feast that depicts Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, and many participated with oneness of heart (v. 12). What an occasion of blessing it was!
How tragic that the spiritual leaders were to blame for delaying the event (v. 3). How tragic that some of the people laughed at the invitation (v. 10; Matt. 22:1–14). But how wonderful that God blessed abundantly, healed the people and sent them home rejoicing (vv. 21, 23, 25, 26). The people who turned down the invitation missed a special opportunity.
God looks at the heart and does not permit ceremonial matters to get in the way of His grace (1 Sam. 15:22; Ps. 50:7–15; 51:16–17; Hos. 6:6). Hezekiah saw to it that the people were taught the Word (v. 22) because the Word nourishes the heart and cleanses the life, long after the memories of great events have faded away. The people experienced great joy as a result of sharing in the Passover feast (v. 26). The Jews would have great joy at the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 12:43). Other people who experienced great joy from the Lord are the wise men (Matt. 2:10), the apostles (Luke 24:52), and the new believers in Samaria (Acts 8:8). The message of the gospel is good news of great joy (Luke 2:10). Are you sharing it with others?
