READING FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2026: 2 CHRONICLES 30, MATTHEW 9, PSALM 7:1-7 2 CHRONICLES 30 Hezekiah did not stop with repairing the Temple and reinstating regular sacrificial offerings. He so wanted to get back to the complete observance of the law that he convinced all the assembly to celebrate the Passover as soon as enough priests could be con- secrated. This meant holding the event during the second month that year instead of the first because they weren’t ready in time for the normal date and did not want to wait 11 months.
As we watch how this unfolds, it is apparent that God supported this rare deviation from the pattern given to Moses. It appears the heart of God’s people to follow Him is more important than following each detail of the law in those rare occasions when a greater good is involved. This same principle was in play when Naaman asked for forgiveness for assisting his king in bowing to his Syrian god and when David ate consecrated bread when fleeing from Saul. These situations are notable for being extremely few in the Bible and are even less likely to arise in our New Covenant time period as we follow the Apostles’ teaching and Spirit’s leading.
Hezekiah was not only good at motivating others to repair the Temple and restore right worship, but he was also a wonderful publicist. He sent invitations for the Passover not only to all of Judah but even included all those still remaining in the northern kingdom after Assyria’s victory. He explained to the northerners the amazing benefits of their participation: “For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your sons will find compassion in the presence of those who led them captive, and will return to this land. For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him” (vs. 9). When we share the Gospel with the unsaved, the benefits we can share of knowing Jesus eternally are even better than what Hezekiah had to offer. Alas, most people were not interested and even mocked them, which is not unlike the response of most hearing about Jesus today. Still, the fact that some came made this extra effort totally worth it. On the other hand, all of Judah responded positively.
The text describes some details of the preparation and the ceremony. Everything was literally “by the book” except for the inclusion of those from the northern tribes. Since they had not had a chance to purify themselves appropriately, they would not normally be able to partici- pate. As you can imagine, Hezekiah did not want them excluded: “Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘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.”’ (vs. 18-19). In turn, the Lord heard and healed the people. In fact, this was such a great experience that all the people decided to extend the celebration for another seven days. Who’s for doubling our Sunday morning worship time If we experience this kind of outpouring of God’s healing power?
READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 12, 2026 CONTINUED: MATTHEW 9, PSALM 7:1-7 MATTHEW 9 This chapter has several fast-moving vignettes. Space allows for observations about only two:
The Paralyzed Man—A heartwarming aspect is that it was the man’s friends who brought him to Jesus. What better kindness could friends extend than to a bring a person to Jesus. Ironically, today people often say they don’t want to offend their friends by mentioning Jesus. Do we have the faith to do this? Notice Jesus included the friends’ faith as causing the man’s sins to be forgiven, which Jesus implied is more important than healing. Finally, notice that the skeptics perceived Jesus was claiming Himself to be equal to God. They were right on that point, but wrong not to worship Him themselves. Tragic mistake.
The Tax Collector—It seems that Jesus favored busy working people to be his disciples. It shows busyness isn’t a barrier for people with the right priorities. As with his other disciples, when Jesus called, Matthew immediately left his work and followed. Smart choice. As with the friends in the story above, Matthew apparently connected Jesus with his professional colleagues. (See a trend here?) At the gathering of tax collectors, Jesus made two key statements: 1) He came to call sinners to repentance, and 2) people cannot receive Jesus’s call if they mistakenly think they don’t need to repent.
We really feel Jesus’s heart at the close of this chapter. He noticed that the crowds, just like so many today, were distressed because they had no purpose in life. Because of His compassion, He told His disciples to pray for workers to reap the plentiful harvest, to bring these sheep without a shepherd to Jesus. Let’s pray the same. Maybe we can be the answer to this prayer.
PSALM 7:1-7 David told God that he has taken refuge in Him. Perhaps this needs to be done daily, although we tend to think about it more urgently when facing threats. David cried out to God about the threats pursuing him. What kind of threats are we facing today: the challenges of aging, loneliness, health, family problems, or personal disputes? Without taking refuge in God, these forces “can tear the soul.”
How did David take refuge in God? He asked God to save him from these threats, to examine his own life, and to battle his adversaries for him. The Christian song, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord” paraphrases many Bible verses. Here’s one: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chon. 20:15). If we know this song by Jamie Owen-Collins, sing it to the Lord, at least in our hearts: In heavenly armor we'll enter the land We sing glory, honor
The battle belongs to the Lord Power and strength to the Lord
No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand We sing glory, honor
The battle belongs to the Lord Power and strength to the Lord
