Praying for Safety and Forgiveness - for Others

For Monday, August 1

Praying for Safety and Forgiveness - for Others

2 Chronicles 30-31:21; Romans 15:1-22; Psalm 25:1-15; Proverbs 20:13-15 (click to read)

(2 Chronicles 30)18-19 Most of the people that came from Ephraim, West Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not made themselves clean, but they ignored God's Law and ate the Passover lambs anyway. Hezekiah found out what they had done and prayed, "LORD God, these people are unclean according to the laws of holiness. But they are worshiping you, just as their ancestors did. So, please be kind and forgive them." 20 The LORD answered Hezekiah's prayer and did not punish them.

The attitude that Hezekiah shows here, the motive of his heart that plays out, these are great examples to me of what it looks like to serve the Lord and not one's own agenda. Hezekiah had put huge amounts of work, time, money and focus into renewing the commitment to and worship of God. He put himself on the line, reaching out, being rejected by others. He even staked his entire reputation on reviving this worship for his country. The passage clearly states that some rejected him and insulted him for this effort. Others did not take it serious. All this effort combined with these rebuffs could easily have offended him, made him angry, caused him to retaliate. But he does not. I am amazed at his prayer for those who did not take the worship serious and took advantage of the situation. He does not get angry, he prays for their safety and forgiveness. I recognize that I have been angry in the past with those who have not taken seriously my efforts to help people be devoted to Christ. When they let an important appeal or opportunity go by, I get frustrated and sometimes lose the "Jesus/Hezekiah" perspective. I forget that it is not about me and my efforts, it is only about representing Jesus well, living out His Love and Grace. I have not prayed for such people enough, I know. I want to do better and serve their lives by not giving up, and praying for their safety and forgiveness.

Lord - Your Word says to not be weary in well-doing, but I have been. More, I have been upset and disconnected from people who You sent me to serve in both life and in profession. I confess I have not prayed for them as I should have. Help me to have Your Attitude, Hezekiah's attitude, when this happens again.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)