The Cross of ChristSample

The God Who Welcomes the Imperfect

Generations after King David, a young ruler named Hezekiah took the throne of Judah. The nation had turned away from God, the temple was closed, and worship had grown cold. In his very first month as king, Hezekiah reopened the temple doors, purified the priests, and called the people to return to God. He desired to bring the nation back under God’s presence.

Hezekiah decided to hold the Passover celebration - something that hadn’t been done properly in generations. But there was a problem: the priests weren’t ready, and the people weren’t purified. Instead of waiting another year, Hezekiah chose to do it a month late. It was the “wrong time” and the “wrong way.” Yet he prayed, “May the Lord who is good pardon those who decide to follow Him,” and God heard his prayer. The Bible says, “The Lord listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.”

Even though their offering was imperfect, God accepted it. What moved Him was not ceremony but sincerity. It wasn’t about getting everything right—it was about hearts that longed to come home.

Then, in a heartbreaking contrast, Hezekiah’s son Manasseh became king and did the exact opposite. He rebuilt idols, practised sorcery, and even sacrificed his sons in the fire. Scripture calls him one of the worst kings in Israel’s history. But when Manasseh was captured and chained by enemy armies, something miraculous happened. In his distress, he humbled himself, prayed to the Lord, and God listened. The same mercy that met Hezekiah in his sincerity met Manasseh in his rebellion.

These two kings tell the same story from different sides: the invitation of the cross is for everyone. Whether you feel like Hezekiah - trying your best but never perfect—or like Manasseh - too far gone and chained by regret - God’s grace is still open.

So many of us hold back from coming to God because we feel unready. We think, “Once I fix this, once I pray more, once I sort myself out…”But the truth of the cross is that you don’t have to clean yourself up to come - you come, and He makes you clean. God isn’t waiting for perfect timing or flawless performance. He’s waiting for your heart.

Come as you are. Bring your “messy Passover.” Bring your broken offering. Bring your repentance and your need. The door is open, the blood has been shed, and the Father is still saying, “You’re welcome here.”