Reviving Relationship With God
There are efforts being undertaken in communities around the U.S. to research and recommend various reparations to correct disparities and compensate descendants of those who were formerly enslaved in America. In California, a task force was established by the state legislature to develop recommendations around such reparations. The task force came back in 2023 with recommendations for reforms that the State should address and implement in the areas of health care, housing, education, criminal justice, etc., as well as financial compensation for those harmed by slavery and historical atrocities. In 2 Chronicles 35:1-6, 16-19, when King Josiah realized the nation’s historical violations of God’s laws and commands, he led his kingdom to repent, cast away their idols and return to faithful observance of their covenant relationship with God. I pray that where we find areas in our lives that are not in line with the Lord’s requirements, that we would repent and restore the relationship that God with us. Amen
Josiah celebrated the Passover to the LORD in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month. He appointed the priests to their duties and encouraged them in the service of the LORD’s temple. He said to the Levites, who instructed all Israel and who had been consecrated to the LORD: “Put the sacred ark in the temple that Solomon son of David king of Israel built. It is not to be carried about on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and his people Israel. Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and by his son Solomon. “Stand in the holy place with a group of Levites for each subdivision of the families of your fellow Israelites, the lay people. Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves and prepare the lambs for your fellow Israelites, doing what the LORD commanded through Moses.” (2 Chron. 35:1-6) In King Josiah’s reign, he had the temple repaired. In the process of repairing the temple, the Law of Moses was found (some scholars believe it was the first 5 books of the bible). It was read to Josiah who, upon hearing God’s word, tore his clothes in grief and repentance. He removed the idolatry from his kingdom and had everyone faithfully recommit to their covenant with God. As part of this recommitment, king Josiah sought to have all of Israel celebrate a great Passover and proper observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He appointed the priests and Levites to the divisions and duties that King David had designated for Temple service and ministry. The priests and Levites were also ordered to slaughter and prepare the Passover lambs for each household. This was a significant task for the priests and Levites to carry out, as opposed to allowing each household to slaughter prepare their own lamb.
So at that time the entire service of the LORD was carried out for the celebration of the Passover and the offering of burnt offerings on the altar of the LORD, as King Josiah had ordered. The Israelites who were present celebrated the Passover at that time and observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days. (2 Chron. 35:16-17) Despite the magnitude of the task, King Josiah’s orders for the service of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were carried out by the priests and the Levites. And the Israelites that were there (the southern kingdom as well as a remnant from the northern kingdom) celebrated the Passover and observed the Festival of Unleavened Bread for seven days.
The Passover had not been observed like this in Israel since the days of the prophet Samuel; and none of the kings of Israel had ever celebrated such a Passover as did Josiah, with the priests, the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were there with the people of Jerusalem. This Passover was celebrated in the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign. (2 Chron. 35:18-19) The significance of what King Josiah did, is noted in this scripture. The Passover had not been celebrated like that in Israel since the time of the prophet Samuel. The celebration was not only joyous, but despite the magnitude of the celebration, it was well planned and executed in accordance with God’s Law.
The more you know about God, the more you know that He is holy and He is worthy to be praised. And praised not with your leftovers, but praised with your best and with joy. King Josiah reigned for almost 18 years before the law of Moses was found and read to him. His response was to immediately realize that he needed to repent and to follow God’s laws and required observances. Not only did King Josiah reinstitute proper celebration and observance of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread, but the priests and Levites were restored to there duties and responsibilities. He had the Ark of the Covenant moved back into the temple and left in it’s proper place. And He also had the places of idol worship torn down. His leadership in following God’s commands, led not only to him re-establishing right relationship with God, but it also led to repentance and spiritual reform for his entire kingdom. King Josiah changed a nation and led them in restoring a covenant relationship with God. How would a deeper commitment in your relationship with God impact your household (or family, or community)? The Passover celebration was a celebration of God’s deliverance of His people from bondage and oppression. Do you recognize and celebrate your deliverance and salvation from the bondage and oppression of sin? We should take stock of our relationship with God like Josiah did. And where needed, restore our fellowship and communion with Him!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
