2
Kings 19 provides a pattern for the man (or woman) of God under
stress. It also shows that all things are subject to the very
personal God we serve. Remember, in the previous chapter the army of
Assyria was poised to attack Judah. The enemy commander had issued
threats and insulted God Almighty. But note how the King of Judah
reacted. “When
King Hezekiah heard this, he tore his clothes
[symbolizing outward expression of grieving]
and went into the temple of the Lord [He
turned to God first]
He sent … to the prophet Isaiah… Therefore pray for the remnant
that still survives” [He
asked for others to intercede in prayer]. Satan desires to isolate
us and cause us to believe we are alone in the battle of the day.
According to Isaiah’s reply, God is aware of every word uttered
against His people and Himself. It seems the prayer of Isaiah
provides a release point where God can work through His people.
“This
is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid of what you have heard…
blasphemed Me… he will return to his own country, and there I will
have him cut down with the sword“.
My friend, are you alone or trying to hold it inside, or feeling
like God is not listening? Follow the example of the king of Judah.
You are not alone!
Note
that the enemy did not give up, but instead his threats intensified.
The commander of the Assyrian army sent a letter to Hezekiah again
trying to cause the man of God to doubt. This time the king
literally laid it before God. “Hezekiah
received the letter… Then he went up to the temple of the Lord and
spread it out before the Lord.”
What are you doing with your problems? Next, Hezekiah prayed: “O
Lord, God of Israel… You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O
Lord… deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may
know that you alone, O Lord, are God“.
Our great God can accomplish great things. Are you asking for
little help from a little God? Next, Isaiah the prophet sent a
message to Hezekiah, “This
is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer“.
Listen to Jesus, “Ask,
and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it
will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who
seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened”
(Matthew 7:7-8).
It
is interesting that God responded to the Assyrian boast, noting they
had done nothing but what God Himself allowed. God told the enemy,
“In
days of old I planned it; now I have brought it to pass“.
“I
know where you stay and when you come and go and how you rage against
me“.
God forgive me when I fail to acknowledge His abundant blessings in
my life. Finally, God gave Judah a promise, “Once
more a remnant of the house of Judah will take root below and bear
fruit above… For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant, and out of
Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will
accomplish this… I will defend this city and save it, for my sake
and for the sake of David my servant”.
Again and again God explains He is blessing the people because of an
earlier covenant He made. At the last supper Jesus explained that we
who believe that He died for our sins also receive forgiveness.
“Likewise
He also took
the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is
the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you’.”
(Luke
22:
20). Don’t believe the lies of the enemy.