2 Kings 20:1-11; Isaiah 38:1-8; 2 Chronicles 32:24-31; Isaiah 38:9-22; 2 Kings 20:12-19; Isaiah 39:1-8
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In 2 Kings 20 today we read about King Hezekiah’s sickness and recovery. The thing that stood out to me in these passages is that after Hezekiah heard from Isaiah that he was going to die, Hezekiah did not just wallow in sorrow and let what was supposed to happen, happen. No! What does Hezekiah do? He prays to the living God! This is convicting and encouraging for me. I am afraid that sometimes I will just wallow in my sorrow over a situation, when I should be praying about the situation to God! If we don’t take it to God in prayer, how can God really help us? I know that oftentimes God does show amazing mercy to us and do things for us when we do not pray. But, why don’t we pray to God in times of sorrow? How about you – when sorrow comes to your doorstep, do you take the situation to God in prayer? Below is an image of Isaiah warning Hezekiah of his impending death in verse 1 – and Hezekiah immediately praying!
Hezekiah later in this chapter receives envoys from Babylon. Unfortunately, he is a bit too hospitable with these envoys... He believes showing off his wealth will prove that he has worldly power and that the Babylonians will respect him and Judah. Isaiah sees that Hezekiah is relying on worldly wealth and not God, and Isaiah delivers a word from God that Judah will be exiled to Babylon Indeed, this comes true in 115 years from when Isaiah delivers this word in this chapter. We will read more about the Babylonian exile later in this year’s One Year Bible readings. How about us, in our lives today – do we try to impress people with our worldly wealth or toys or stuff, like Hezekiah was trying to impress the Babylonians? And further, do we actually try to rely on this worldly stuff rather than rely on God? Is this dangerous?
I love Hezekiah's poem of praise in chapter 38. Verse 16 stood out to me: "Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health." Would you agree with Hezekiah on this point? Is God's discipline good? Does God's discipline lead to life and health? Are you accepting God's discipline in your life today? I found this little reminder of some "good discipline" from a school website below. Not quite "the" Golden Rule below, but overall good stuff! :)
Bible.org's commentary on today's readings in Isaiah chapter 38 titled "The Deliverance of Judah's King" is at this link.
Worship God: Today's readings in 2nd Kings reminded me of Laura Story's song "One Life to Lose:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4svhIdtcTE
Have you lost your life? Click here to find it!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
God bless,
Mike
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