Topic: Our Heart

Scripture:

18 Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying,"May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone 19 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." 20 And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people

(NIV) 2 Chronicles 30:18-20

Observation:

As people gathered to celebrate the passover in Jerusalem, it seems it was customary to purify and consecrate oneself. But because of the influx of people joining in, some were not able to. Above is Hezekiah's prayer unto the Lord to "pardon" them.

The scripture tells us the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people...

Application:

There was one phrase in the scripture above that caught my attention: " who sets his heart in seeking God". The LORD pardoned those from the customary way of doing things because the people set their heart in seeking God.

All throughout scriputure the LORD warned the Israelites to turn from their wicked and evil way. What I realize is that the LORD was looking at their heart. It is the heart that is important to the LORD. Not the so called physical heart, but our spiritual heart. The place in our spirit where our true worship and service is unto the LORD or not. This is the place that the LORD is checking at all times. This is the place we must guard at all times.

Prayer:

Lord, I believe all the actions we do externally doesn't mean a thing if our heart is in the wrong place. Forgive us Lord, when we struggle in this area and don't make the right choices. As the scripture tells us--"create in me a clean heart" oh God.....one that will serve you whole-heartedly................in Jesus Name Amen.