A Beautiful Thing
Read: 2Chronicles 30:18-20
“Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Matthew 14:6).
Hezekiah, as part of his storied revival, issued an invitation to all Israel to gather in Jerusalem for a Passover celebration. His offer was met with scorn by many in the northern kingdom for few in that place cared for spiritual things. But some came to Jerusalem seeking the Lord.
Untutored in the law they came unprepared to fulfill the obligations of the Passover. By the standards of the law they were “unclean.” So Hezekiah prayed for them: “‘May the good Lord pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the Lord, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary's rules of cleanness.’ And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people” (30:18-20).
I’m reminded here of a little country church and a Sunday morning service and a young woman who turned up…to everyone’s astonishment. She was the town trollop.
The lady was a bit hung over and worse for wear, her hair and clothes in disarray. The church was full and though she tried to find a seat in the rear of the church, she was ushered to the front where she sat through the service, her eyes on the preacher, transfixed by every word.
It was communion Sunday and when the elements were served she had no idea what to do. She took the bread quietly, but when the cup was passed, she lifted her glass and offered a toast to Jesus.
Some people gasped, others gaped, a few bowed their heads in quiet worship and thanksgiving. It was indeed a beautiful thing that she did.
God forbid that any of us would turn our face away from one whom God has accepted, for He has made it very clear: Whosoever will may come (Revelation 22:17).
David Roper
8.1.17
