When you read the Old Testament laws and regulations, one would tend to think that God is a rigid, legalistic power and that He demands perfection from His subjects without any room for mistakes. One violation will result to punishment often ending in death. If this disturbs you, then be assured that you are not alone. Many Christians struggle reconciling the holy and stern God of the old testament with the teachings of Jesus on love and grace. But examining the laws and stories of the bible in its context, gives us a clearer expression of the heart of God. God is love and His love for His people overshadows His standard. His law is the embodiment of who He is and it is given for man's benefit, not the other way around. If one lives by the law, he will bear the fruit of a meaningful and fulfilling existence. God is simply saying, "if you want to live a happy and satisfying life, follow my principles." But the choice is eventually ours to make whether we follow Him or not. And our choices will always have consequences whether good or bad.
Whenever God punishes someone for a violation of the law, God is really looking at the intent of the person's heart, not the behaviour itself. Proverbs 16:2 says that, "All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord." (NIV) The story in 2 Chronicles 30 illustrates this very well. After many years of idol worship, King Hezekiah wanted to celebrate a nationwide Passover feast after it has been neglected for more than 200 years. Hezekiah invited all Israelites even their countrymen from the Northern tribes who have separated from Judah. Many people ignored the invitation and even laughed at the messengers sent by the king. But some responded and journeyed to Jerusalem with sincere hearts. According to the scriptures many came from all over Judah and Israel so much that "nothing like this has happened since the days of King Solomon..." (2 Chronicles 30:26 GNT). A spiritual revival was happening! But since the people have not observed the feast for a long time, a lot of them didn't meet the requirements and standards of purification as prescribed in the law of Moses. Upon learning this, Hezekiah prayed, “May the good Lord pardon everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though not according to the purification rules of the sanctuary.” (2 Chronicles 30:18-19 NASB). And the Lord heard Hezekiah's prayer, forgave the people, and accepted their worship.
Knowledge (of the bible) and ritual is good and has its proper place in worship. But more than these, God weighs the motives of your heart. He will always offer grace and forgiveness to those whose hearts are repentant and upright.
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