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Lessons from a King
Tim Savage35That night the angel of theLordwent out to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. When the surviving Assyrianswoke up the next morning, they found corpses everywhere. 2 Kings 19
7“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!8He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have theLordour God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. 2 Chronicles 32
The reign of King Hezekiah is so interesting. After several kings who didn’t follow the Lord, Hezekiah finally leads Judah according to God’s law. He immediately restored and repaired the temple and destroyed the idols and altars of the false gods. In this passage Hezekiah is facing certain defeat against a massive and powerful Assyrian army, an army with that has decimated many other kingdoms. The opposing king is outside of the wall around Jerusalem deriding and denigrating God. Hezekiah appeals to the Lord and the Lord hears his prayer. Overnight, God kills 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. One hundred, eighty-five thousand soldiers. The opposing king retreats and is then killed by his 2 sons. Earlier in the story Hezekiah spoke to the people of Jerusalem; he encouraged them by telling them that God was on their side and the enemy army was nothing but mere men. Point proven.
All of Hezekiah’s success came from following the will of God. He did so with urgency and he was faithful. He wasn’t perfect, but when he stumbled, he was repentant and God was merciful. Even in the face of overwhelming odds he stayed faithful. When things don’t go my way or as I had planned it, I must be faithful. God knows what’s around the next corner and the corner beyond that. He has a plan for me and ultimately has my future and my hope. I need to learn the lesson of Hezekiah and be quick to follow Him and His ways and I must not doubt when faced with obstacles or unexpected turns. The king also appealed to God in prayer and God answered. Do I take these things to Him and then give over control? Too often I like to help God a little. I will maneuver and manipulate situations to give me a favorable outcome, but I have to trust God because He has my best at heart. I must have patient endurance to wait on His timing, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the lessons from the past. I want to not only hear Your instructions and direction, but also apply them in order to course correct my life. Thank You for the rich provision and blessings in my life. I love You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
