And the king commanded all the people, “Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant.” For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or of the kings of Judah. But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was kept to the Lord in Jerusalem. (II Kings 23:21-23 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Be Patient
My hearing aids really do help me hear. But I have had a frustration with my hearing aid company. Each time I enter their office for a maintenance check, I have had the same request. I asked them to increase the base line for my hearing aids. They nod sagely and have offered a slight increase and a large explanation as to the disadvantage of giving me what I wanted.
But this time, they hooked me up to a new machine. And they found that I have been regularly increasing the volume. With shock they exclaimed, “Wow! Let’s raise your base level so you do not have to do that!”
They finally did what I asked!
And I was reminded of the Israelites from the time of the judges to the wonderful rein of King Josiah. Were you surprised to read that the Israelites had not kept the Passover Feast in all of those years? But apparently, other than the time of the exile, from then on, they celebrated.
Not only does this display God’s patience with Israel… but I can imagine prophets and priests, scribes and scholars, devout people of God crying out, “Please celebrate Passover!” And being given reasons why it just was not practical yet. Maybe next year.
Perhaps we are not as frightened as last year. And when we look around at others who still seem to be afraid, we might react impatiently.
Perhaps we are more interested in obedience than we used to be. And when we look around at others who still seem mired in selfish, worldly ideals, we might react impatiently.
Perhaps we are able to trust God more deeply than we did last week. And when we look around at others who display doubt, skepticism, or disbelief, we might react impatiently.
Jesus is our Josiah, who reminds us and urges us to fear not, to obey Him, and to trust God. Be patient while others find the ears to hear Him.
Fear not, then be patient.