TODAY’s DEVOTIONAL

The King of Assyria mocked Hezekiah for his trust in God. He sent Rabshekeh as a messenger to the children of Israel. Rabshekeh taunted with his words, trying to cast doubt in the minds of the people of Judah. However, Hezekiah had instructed the people of Judah not to answer the words of Rabshekeh. When a response was expected, the people of Judah said nothing.

Hezekiah had a reputation with the people of Judah that he stood upright  before God. There was not a king of Judah like him before, nor ever was there an equal after him. When Hezekiah heard the words of Rabshekeh repeated before him, he did not tell the people of Judah to run for the hills and hide. He instructed messengers to go to speak with Isaiah the prophet, and to ask prayer for the people.

Hezekiah had favor with God. Isaiah gave a word from the Lord, that God would defend the people of Judah. They were not to have fear because of the King of Assyria. When the King of Assyria sent letters again mocking trust in God, Hezekiah responded with prayer. Isaiah confirmed that the prayer of Hezekiah had come before God. God pronounced sentence against Sennacherib, King of Assyria. God took it personally that the wicked King mocked Him and those who trusted in Him. As the people of Judah were covered by the prayers of Hezekiah – a king who walked in the ways of the Godly, so the people of Assyria suffered because of the evil of Sennacharib. The Lord of Hosts slew many in Assyria, causing Sennacharib to flee, but he could not escape.

Hezekiah did not allow a spirit of fear to separate Him from the truth of God. Even when he became gravely ill, he again turned to prayer. Because of his lifestyle, he entreated God to remember his faithfulness, that God might spare his life. God honored the words and life of Hezekiah.

II Kings 20:1-7 1 In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live.  2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the LORD, saying,  3 I beseech thee, O LORD, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.  4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the LORD came to him, saying,  5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.  6 And I will add unto thy days fifteen years; and I will deliver thee and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria; and I will defend this city for mine own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.  7 And Isaiah said, Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the boil, and he recovered.

You may not have lived a life as did Hezekiah. Yet, when you are converted, you can have confidence in what the Word says, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (II Corinthians 5:17). God sees us as brand new. He says that our past sins are not held in remembrance and we are restored because of the sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 10:14-18).

If we allow fear to separate us from the truth of God, we will lose faith in the promises of His Word. We should take our burdens to the Lord in prayer and reap the benefits of a regenerated life.

Romans 8:37-39 – 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.  38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.