During the reign of Hezekiah, the Feast of the Passover was only one of three feasts that required a pilgrimage to the temple in Jerusalem each year. “Come to his sanctuary, which he has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God,” Hezekiah invited (verse 8). As in that day, God’s grace and forgiveness are available today to all who return to God.

According to the Law of Moses, God will be compassionate and merciful to those who truly repent (Leviticus 26:40-42). The same invitation is in force today. No matter what our situation may be, we can turn our face to God. Our mistakes are not that different from those of people in biblical times, and we can see how God showed compassion and mercy toward them.

This is the season to turn to God and invite God’s peace and the fruits of the Spirit into our lives. God will never turn away from us if we return to God. These promises are based on an eternal principle regarding God’s nature: God promises to draw near to those who draw near to him.

—Patricia Martin

Saints, share your personal REFLECTIONS here: