From the genealogy of Jesus, found in Matthew chapter one, we read about a succession of four kings descended from King David in the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
9 Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Matthew 1:9 (NKJV)
Upon the passing of King Ahaz, Hezekiah became King of Judah. On balance, he was a good king for the people and for the Lord, although he would make a serious error along the way that would come back to haunt the nation. More on that later.
During Ahaz and Hezekiah’s reigns in the south, the Northern Kingdom of Israel finally fell to the invading Assyrian Empire. Their stubborn idol worship and disdain for God and His commandments finally led the Lord to remove His protection from the Northern Kingdom. Left to their own strength and defenses, the people were defeated and carried off into exile by the Assyrians. A replacement population was then sent into their land by the invaders.
This defeat was more of a chastisement than an eternal punishment – God promised that He would bring them back into their land in peace if they gave up their idols and false gods and turned back to worship Him.
Unfortunately for Judah, the leader of the Assyrians, Sennacherib, was not content to stop his invasion with just the Northern Kingdom. He brought his armies into the South, right up to the gates of Jerusalem, and ordered them to surrender, as well. He sent King Hezekiah a message – no other armies or gods had ever been able to successfully repel them, so he might as well give up, too. He taunted them with confidence, and his threats terrified the nation and their king. Hezekiah then made a very wise decision.
14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord, and spread it before the Lord. 2 Kings 18:14 (NKJV)
When confronted by a very bad situation with no idea how to proceed, what do we do about it? We have a good example given here by Hezekiah – spread out our problems before the Lord. Take it to Him in faith. He wants to hear about it from us, and nothing is too hard for the Lord.
Hezekiah faithfully spread the letter out before the Lord and earnestly prayed, asking God to defend and protect Judah for His own name’s sake.
17 Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands, 18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they destroyed them. 19 Now therefore, O Lord our God, I pray, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, You alone.” 2 Kings 19:17-19 (NKJV)
Hezekiah did exactly the right thing, seeking the Lord in the midst of a crisis. His was not just a “foxhole prayer”, one that would be quickly forgotten once the Lord delivered him. Hezekiah had sought the Lord before, in both good times and bad, and had developed a true faith relationship with Him. God promises to always deliver those who are faithful to Him.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)
There are some days when I feel totally overwhelmed by the challenges facing me. In those moments, I try to remember Hezekiah, and to stop whatever I am doing to take my problems before the Lord. Sometimes I just shake my head and say, “Lord, I have no idea how you are ever going to handle this.” But He always does, often in some way that I could never have anticipated. He does this not because of my goodness, but because of His grace and mercy, combined with a mustard seed of faith, with even that bit of faith provided as a gift from His hand.
The Lord is so good to us, often working quietly in the background, showering us with countless blessings each and every day. When a crisis does come, and it will, He looks forward to us calling upon His name in faith. He loves to exercise His infinite power to save and amaze us, and to show us that He is, indeed, the Lord God, alone.
Reflection
What burden or fearful situation do you need to “spread out” before the Lord? He would love to hear about it.
Lord, You alone are the one and true God. In Christ, we are blessed with Your righteousness and protection. You are our strength and shield in times of trouble, the shade at our right hand. Thank You that as we turn to You, You have a caring ear and a powerful hand to save us. May You be glorified in all the earth for Your goodness! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Have a beautiful, blessed day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 