refused to turn unto the Lord (w . 7, 8). The way of blessing was the way of turning because in so doing they would experience the grace and mercy of God (v. 9 ). Turning to the Lord is equivalent to conversion which includes a turning away from sin and a turning unto the Lord. Compare 1 Thes. 1:9. Response to the Invitation vv. 10-13 In the Northern Kingdom the response was twofold. There were many who laughed and mocked at the idea of the passover. Th ey were just like a lot of folks today who ridicule holy things and spurn God’s offers of salvation. But there were some who heeded the invitation and prepared to go to Jerusalem. It is also like this in the preaching of the gospel. Some hear and heed and find themselves added to the body of Christ. In the Southern Kingdom the response was unanimous in favor of accepting the king’s invitation (v. 12). The result of the whole effort of Hezekiah was a memor able observance o f the passover. A great multitude was present. In time to come this occasion was recognized as one of the great passovers of Israelite history. In a comparable sense the Communion service today is celebrated in the church to re m ind us of the great facts of our re demption. Every observance ought to be a great occasion. It looks w ell when God’s people attend this service in large num bers and with humble spirit. Helps for the Children The King's Postmen 2 Chr. 30 MEMORY VERSE: . .the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away hisface from you, if ye return unto him" (2 Chr. 30:9). In the Old Testament time there were no newspapers, telegrams, telephones or radios to send news from one place to another. King Hezekiah wanted to send a message to all of the Jews one day. He wrote many letters and had some of his servants carry them to the cities where the Jews were living. The king wanted all of God’s people to come to Jerusalem for the passover feast which God had told them to keep each year. The Jews had not worshiped and served God together as H e had desired. Hezekiah wanted them to once again love H im together. Hezekiah told the people that if they would re turn to God, He would be gracious and merciful and forgive their sins. God must have been pleased with a king who was eager to cause others to worship and serve H im faithfully. Boys and girls who know the Lord Jesus can do much to cause others to want to know their Lord and to worship and serve Him. Some children w ill not come to God’s house when a minister or a Sunday school teacher invites them. A n other child can bring them more easily than can an adult. Even a letter may tell a friend about the Saviour. The same message that Hezekiah sent by his post men can be told b y boys and girls today, for God is always w illing and ready to forgive the sins of those who love H im with all their heart. END.
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