I have spent some time reading in 2 Chronicles today. In truth, it is not a portion of the Bible that I spend a lot of time in, but I am thankful for a discipline of reading that I am experiencing this year. Often I have found that the things that I go through in my life are not so different than what so many others have experienced before me. In this there is comfort, in knowing that I am not alone in my experiences. In this there is community, even with those who have gone before me. In this there is learning. And most importantly, in this there is G-d, Who I want to know above all else.

Anyway, in the 30th chapter of 2 Chronicles, Hezekiah decides that they will all celebrate Passover in a way that has not been done in awhile. Seems that with each generation there is an ebb and flow in their understanding of and faithfulness to G-d, and the things of G-d. In verse 17 it states that there were many that came to participate in the Passover celebration who, for whatever reason (I believe it is because the did not know to.), did not consecrate themselves properly, according to the Law. I have witnessed great grace extended as Hezekiah prayed, "May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets his heart on seeking God-the Lord, the God of his fathers-even if he is not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary (30:18-19). Verse 20 says that G-d heard him and healed the people.

Now there is a gracious leader. And a gracious G-d. How many would flock to "the church" if they were extended such grace? How many times, in our pursuit of perfection, have we placed unfair expectations on others? Have there been unfair expectations on us?

May we, like Hezekiah, cry out to G-d and ask pardon. May our hearts seek G-d. And may we see other hearts that are set on seeking G-d and do what we can to point them to Him, no matter what they look like or act like. And may we, above all else, love G-d with all our hearts, and love all of our neighbors.

Amen.