Second Chances & Celebrations

In 2 Chronicles 30:9-15 & 27, there is a great story about Judah's King Hezekiah calling a shattered family and divided nation back to God. Having decided it was time to restore Passover celebrations, the king was determined to do it in a big way. Inviting every tribe included in the first Passover meant including all of Israel, even the North Kingdom.

Israel hadn't been a unified kingdom for centuries. Judah and Israel (aka the Northern Kingdom) had become separate countries. Civil war had waged between them. Still, all were invited. Couriers raced from town to town calling the weary home. Most of the Northern Kingdom had already been enslaved by the Assyrians. The poor remained, the weak remained, the unwanted, and the scattered remained, but they were invited. The message was clear; we know you are broken and hurting, but if you turn to God, His judgement will turn from you.

Separated by internal strife since Solomon’s death, this was South Korea inviting North Korea for a visit. Some responded with ridicule and mocking, but some return home! Celebration began in the valley, as prodigal tribes and families with only distant memories of worship began coming home. Then, we see it. Shocking details appear. Offerings were made in the second month and priests were ashamed, 2 Chronicles 30:15.

Wait a minute. Passover is in the first month, Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 28:16. Why were the priests ashamed? Called to be examples of godliness to the people, priests were supposed to remind a nation what God required. Instead, the spiritual leaders had not even bothered to prepare themselves for Passover. They forgot God and failed the people. Could they just decide to celebrate late? Be clear; our convenience doesn't direct God's command. Still, God is good and He had a plan. Long before the leaders lapse, the Lord prepared the second chance. Way back in Numbers 9, God established a way for those unprepared to celebrate in the first month, to obey and honor Him. Creating 2nd Passover, the Lord offered a chance for those who weren’t ready, a second chance to celebrate. He has always been a God of second chances calling prodigals home.

If, like Hezekiah, we hope to restore our home and ourselves to the Lord, we must be willing to call to those exiles who have harmed us and say the Lord wants you too. There are second chances not just for prodigals, but for parents, penitents, and imperfect priests. There are second chances for you. That's Worth Remembering.