I’m usually not a fan of people repeating themselves, over-teaching me something. Yet, I treasure hearing the same stories over and over again from aging parents. And, when it’s God speaking, I’ll listen to every single message, even if it seems to be repetitive.
In today’s reading, it’s like God is adding an exclamation point to his prior condemnation of the Assyrian king. As if Hezekiah didn’t already believe that God was going to move and protect Judah from Assyria, another message is forthcoming.
This message really carries with it some punch, too. There is no question how God feels about King Sennacherib. God had promised that king would die by the sword, and now we know how. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the number of troops that were killed that fateful night. It’s no doubt Hezekiah was shaking with that many men surrounding Jerusalem!
Sometimes we are hardheaded when it comes to our belief system. God must be asking us, “Did you catch that?” when it comes to his message of salvation. I’m not saying that Hezekiah was stubborn like that, but God did seem to want to clarify his message to make sure Hezekiah understood God had his back. God even said, “For my own honor and for the sake of my servant David, I will defend this city and protect it.”
We’re given a glimpse into the power of God at work. Sometimes we forget how powerful God is. We see a stunning example of deliverance here in today’s reading. We should not be exhausting ourselves trying to do things that only God can do. Does it help you to remember the power of God lives inside you?
I love Paul’s prayer in Romans 15:13, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” The Holy Spirit is available for us today because of what Jesus has done for us. He promised he would not leave us abandoned to fend for ourselves in this world. We just need to acknowledge him and tap into that power.
How do you get yourself refocused so you can appreciate the mighty God that loves you so completely? Use that when you think about what it is in your life that is frightening you right now. There are plenty of news events around the world to cause us to be uneasy. Are you waiting for God to put an exclamation point on a resolution to your situation? Cling to the power of God that can and will do mighty things.
Let’s pray …
Lord, help me to rely on your will and be prayerfully seeking that always. Help me to set aside my agenda and be seeking yours, God. Show me how to make sense of this crazy world. Clarify my role in making the communities I’m part of a better place. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
