2 Kings 19 -- God Steps In

The three messengers told Hezekiah what the Assyrian field commander had said, particularly about God.  "The report must have broken Hezekiah's heart," my commentary said.  "How could anybody be so arrogant and so blaspheme the name of the Lord? ... Hezekiah also tore his clothes and humbled himself before the Lord ... He sent his officers to Isaiah and asked him to pray and seek God's help ... When the outlook is bleak, try the uplook.  That's what King Hezekiah did ... He spread the letter before the Lord ... He focused  his attention on the throne of God ... Since he was not a high priest, Hezekiah couldn't enter the Holy of Holies where the mercy seat sat upon the ark of the covenant, but he could  enter by faith even as believers can today ... Hezekiah was lost in worship as he realized the greatness of the Lord, the only true God.  This is a good example to follow when we pray about life's problems.  When we focus on the Lord and see how great He is, it helps to put our problems in perspective."

"The king had one great burden on his heart:  That the God of Israel be glorified before the nations of the earth.  Sennacherib had blasphemed the Lord and Hezekiah asked God to act on behalf of Judah so that His name would be honored ... He asked the Lord to save the people of Judah, not for their sake but for the glory of His great name."

"Hezekiah was a man who at all times sought the blessing of the Lord on His people.  He sought to know the Word of God and the will of God, and this gave him power in prayer."

Isaiah delivered God's answer:  1)  God would deliver Jerusalem; 2) God would defeat the Assyrian army and they would depart; and 3) God would care for the people and they would not starve.

"In one night, God's angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers and that put an end to the siege of Jerusalem ... Sennacherib left the scene and went home, and there one of his sons killed him as Isaiah had said."

Father, I'm so glad that You honored Yourself by such a display of Your might and wisdom.  Please continue to do that today.  Reveal Yourself to an apostate world and show them that You are in control.  Glorify Your name, Father!

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford