2 Chronicles 35:1 Josiah celebrated the Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and the Passover lamb was slaughtered on the fourteenth day of the first month.

This account goes into great detail about all that was done, and by whom, for the great celebration of Passover. It was probably the fact that such observances had been overlooked for so long that made Josiah want to do this on such a scale. I’m sure God was pleased with what they did, and the people were greatly blessed. The thing is, however, that this didn’t prevent the judgment that came on Jerusalem and Judah just a few years later, within the lifetime and ministry of Jeremiah, who was already serving as a prophet at this time. The contrast between Josiah and the few kings who followed him doubtless made things all the more painful to Jeremiah. Big celebrations of faith can be wonderful and aren’t to be discouraged, but they are nowhere near as important as daily faithfulness. Yesterday’s reading pointed out the importance of leadership, but people also have to consent to be led. As a negative example, Hitler would have gotten nowhere without the German people following his leadership. Each individual is accountable before God. We forget that to our peril.

I am not to run from leadership, but at the same time I am not to accuse myself over people who refuse to be led. Jesus died for all mankind, taking the penalty for our sins on Himself, but each person is still responsible to recognize and acknowledge their need for the salvation He has provided, and choose to accept it. I don’t save anyone, but I do proclaim salvation in Christ to them. I am to seek effective ways of communicating the Gospel, but I can’t force anyone to accept it. You could say that God’s banquet is self-service: He puts it out there, but we have to take it for ourselves. God has challenged this congregation with a project that is huge, considering our current numbers. I am to be tireless in sharing and explaining what has happened to this point and what is going on now, but acceptance and participation are up to each individual. A problem with my ministry in the past has been a tendency to assume more knowledge and understanding than people actually have. I need to make the effort to break things down sufficiently so that people own this project themselves, trusting You to provide but offering themselves as part of Your provision. It’s God’s idea, but we are personally responsible for how we participate.

Father, thank You for all that You are doing. Thank You for the increasing participation in prayer meeting! Thank You for the message You’re growing in me for Sunday. I ask Your anointing this morning as I get that outline prepared, and then on Sunday as I deliver the message. May Your Spirit through me open people’s hearts and minds so that they will indeed seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, putting us all in line with what You are doing for the salvation of many and for Your glory.; Thank You. Hallelujah!