What lessons from Josiah's Passover can we apply to our worship practices? Setting the Scene: Josiah’s Passover “In the eighteenth year of Josiah’s reign, this Passover was observed.” (2 Chronicles 35:19) After rediscovering the Book of the Law (2 Chronicles 34:14–18), the king led the nation to celebrate Passover exactly as God prescribed. Nothing like it had happened “since the days of Samuel the prophet” (2 Chronicles 35:18). The account gives a template for worship that still speaks today. Worship Begins with the Word • Josiah first “read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant” (2 Chronicles 34:30). • Genuine worship flows from Scripture’s authority, not human innovation (Deuteronomy 12:32; John 17:17). Practical take-away: build every gathering, song, and sermon on clear, faithful exposition of God’s Word. Reverent Obedience, Not Personal Preference • The priests and Levites “served the LORD as prescribed” (2 Chronicles 35:10–13). • God’s pattern, not ours, determines acceptable worship (Leviticus 10:1–3). Practical take-away: evaluate traditions and trends by Scripture; keep what aligns, discard what does not. Spiritual and Practical Preparation Matter • “They slaughtered the Passover lamb…consecrated themselves and prepared their fellow Levites” (2 Chronicles 35:11). • Preparation of heart and logistics both honor God (Psalm 24:3–4; 1 Corinthians 14:40). Practical take-away: arrive prayed-up, planned, and punctual; ready hearts foster fruitful worship. Corporate Participation and Unity • “All Judah and Israel who were present” joined in (2 Chronicles 35:17). • God delights when His people assemble as one (Psalm 133:1; Hebrews 10:24–25). Practical take-away: encourage every age, background, and gifting to engage—sing, serve, share. Sacrificial Generosity • The king donated 30,000 lambs and 3,000 cattle (2 Chronicles 35:7). Leaders and people gave likewise (vv. 8–9). • Worship costs; love gives (2 Samuel 24:24; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Practical take-away: budget, time, and talents should all be laid before the Lord without stinginess. Restoration and Renewal • The celebration revived a neglected ordinance (2 Chronicles 30:1–5; 35:18). • God often uses obedient worship to spark revival (Nehemiah 8:1–12). Practical take-away: ask God to restore forgotten disciplines—public reading of Scripture, confession, biblical feasts. Centering on the Lamb • Every lamb pointed to Christ, “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • John the Baptist proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Practical take-away: let every element—songs, ordinances, preaching—direct hearts to Jesus crucified and risen. Living the Lessons • Ground worship in Scripture. • Obey God’s pattern—no shortcuts. • Prepare spiritually and practically. • Gather in unity. • Give sacrificially. • Seek continual renewal. • Keep Christ, the true Passover Lamb, at the center. “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:9) |
    |