Todays readings.. 2 Kings 19, Ezekiel 9, Luke 5
We read today at the start of ch. 19 of the 2nd book of Kings the prayer of King Hezekiah. He “went into the house of the LORD” and then “sent Eliakim, who was over the household … to the prophet Isaiah.”
His message to the prophet was, “This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace … It may be that the LORD your God heard … (the words) … the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God … therefore lift up your prayer …” [v.3,4]
Hezekiah’s prayer is inspiring, as our world is falling apart, as it most certainly will; it is a model for us! We read more of his words. “O LORD … you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. Incline your ear, O LORD, and hear; open your eyes, O LORD, and see …” [v.15,16]
“Then Isaiah … sent to him the LORD’s response to his prayer, “Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Your prayer to me … I have heard. This is the word that the LORD has spoken concerning …” [v.20,21] and then follows a message about the fate God has ordained for the Assyrians because they “have mocked the Lord” [v.23]
Today nearly all have “mocked” any belief that a God exists and despise the inspired words of the Bible. Let’s take note those by Paul to the Colossians, “by (Gk. ‘because of’) him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible “ [1 v.16] So much meaning here!
What a’ heart searching’ prayer of Jesus we will read on Monday; it makes clear the submission of Jesus to his Father, the creator of all things. , “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children …” [10 v.21] Let us be “little children” – and despise the ‘pride’ in today’s world.
Finally, note the special message for us in that short but so meaningful 1st letter of John “Little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.” [2 v.28] Let us have full confidence in him who “made heaven and earth” and constantly offer him prayers of praise.