Love is the True Law

Scripture: 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 who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people. 2 Chronicles 30:18-20

Observation: Israel by now has fallen to Assyria, but Hezekiah invites everyone to the Passover. Some of the remnant of Israel come to Judah and participate, however they have been so removed from God that they are not able to be ceremonially clean for the event. Hezekiah overlooks this, prays for them, and God is accepting of their participation.

In other words, we see God delineate between the letter of "the law" and the spirit of the love of God. There are parts of the law that existed only to differentiate the Jews from others - to ensure their seriousness in being a people set apart. Those laws had a purpose, but they were nothing compared to a humble heart that longs for the Lord and seeks his face and his love. The Jews of Israel no longer exist as a nation - in fact, for the most part they will never recover and will evolve into the Samaritans who believe in God but for almost 600 years are excluded from Jewish culture - yet God accepts their heart despite their inability to comply with the rote procedures of the law.

Application: God has always had the authority to 'lower the bar' for receiving his love and engaging in his family. The base requisite remains faith ... faith in him, now expressed through faith in Jesus Christ. However, everything else is negotiable and based on the nature of what is in one's heart. Yes, eventually what is in one's heart is reflected in their actions, but everyone must be allowed a starting point. For that starting point, loving God and wishing to be near him has always been the only true requirement.

Prayer: Lord, as I begin my busy day, please keep my heart near you. I am no longer ignorant of proper behavior, so I will be humble and accountable to your word. But I also want to simply keep my heart close to you today. May my small love reach out to your mighty, amazing, all consuming love, and may I receive the warmth of your love this day. Amen.