Almost ten years ago I sat in an empty cabin, in Colorado, thousands of miles away from home, seeking God about my future. He seemed so far away. I made so many decisions against His will. I sought my own passions, desires, and wants that I had forgotten what it felt like to be with Him. I sought Him in deep prayer, talking through the day, and lamenting through the night. God consoled my weary heart and gave me rest. Hezekiah had a decision to make; seek God in fear or trust his own strength. He chose the former in Isaiah 37. Several times in this passage Hezekiah approached God. After hearing the threats from Rabshakeh in the previous chapter he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and entered the house of the Lord. (v.1) With great sorrow he had all the priests and scribes covered with sackcloth. Isaiah was called upon and a “day of distress” was called. He asked Isaiah to offer a prayer for the remaining few that were in Judah. (vv. 2-4) Isaiah came back and told Hezekiah to not be afraid. God had answered his request and thus will fight for him against the vile and blasphemous Assyrians. (vv.5-13) But something amazing happens. Hezekiah heard the message, but took it upon himself to go into the Holy of Holies in the temple, spread the message before the Lord, and prayed unto the Lord. (vv.15) “O Lord of hosts, the God of Israel who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made the heaven and earth.” (v.16) Since he was not a high priest, Hezekiah couldn’t enter the Holy of Holies, but he entered by and with faith. He was not spared from death, but God heard his cry. 2 Chronicles went into more detail in chapter 32 and Hezekiah’s devotion was not questioned. God saved His people, the land, and will see to it that a remnant remain (vv.21-32) As a result, over 185,000 Assyrians were struck death, Sennacharib assassinated by his own sons, and they were a threat no more. (Vv.36-38) Hezekiah’s prayer was effective, because He knew the sovereignty of the Lord God. Matthew 10:29 says, “Are not two sparrows old for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” God’s grace pours out on this chapter. He spares the righteous and he who seeks Him. Hezekiah shows that an intentional relationship with God is real. God listens, responds, sees, and spares his people. His reaction and response was part of His greater will; and Hezekiah tapped into His heart. Losing a game, breaking up from a long-term relationship, getting over a bad argument, and any abhorrent situation is not “over” His head—it’s on His heart. God wants us, in our deepest regrets, pains, tears, and sorrows to seek His compassion; like Hezekiah spread His message across the floor, plead for His sovereign will to be done, and trust that which He promised, He will perform—He always does (His way). #godlylegacy “Cheer up, Christian! Things are not left to chance: no blind fate rules the world. God hath purposes, and those purposes are fulfilled. God hath plans, and those plans are wise, and never can be dislocated.” –Charles Spurgeon
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:10:27 +0000
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