Burning Houses or Burning Bridges

O. T. #878  "Burning Houses or Burning Bridges"
Nov. 30, 2016
2 Kings 25-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

Babylon struck Jerusalem and Judah. If only they had worshiped God alone and not idols. Oh, Jerusalem, the beloved city of God, if only you had repented.

Falwell sums up verses 8-10: Nebuzaradan, captain of the Babylonian guard, sacked Jerusalem, burning both the Temple and palace and breaking down the city walls (23:27).

Burned houses instead of burned bridges-as Babylon burned the Lord's House, the king's house, and the people's houses, Judah could have repented, stopped worshiping idols, thus burned their bridges behind them. But no, it did no happen that way. Only a few remained faithful to the God of Israel.

MacArthur explains the details:

1. First, Jerusalem's most important buildings were burned. (verse 9)
2. Second, the Babylonian army tore down Jerusalem's outer walls, the city's main defense. (verse 10)
3. Third, Nebuzaradan organized and led a forced march of remaining Judeans into exile in Babylon. (verse 11)
4. Fourth, the items made with precious metals in the Temple were carried away to Babylon. (verses 13-17)
5. Fifth, Nebuzaradan took Jerusalem's remaining leaders to Riblah, where Nebuchadnezzar had them executed. (verses 18-21) This insured that they would never lead another rebellion against Babylon.

Only the unskilled laborers were left behind to tend the vineyards and farm the fields.
The Jews thought God would protect them from invasion because of the presence of the temple in Jeremiah 7.
Everything made of gold, silver, or brass, vessels dedicated to the Lord, in the Temple was taken as spoil. Certainly, the glory of the Lord had departed the Temple (Ezekiel 8:11).


LET IT GROW

Years of warnings of this coming destruction was given to Israel and Judah. Yet they would not return to Him. I'm sure it must have sadden the Lord to have to allow all of that destruction on His children. Jesus felt this sadness again later.

Jesus said to His disciples and the multitude in Matthew 23:37-38:

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stoned those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see Me again until you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

We know that the Jews went on to kill the Messiah sent to them. They did not recognize Jesus as their Savior, whom  they were expecting to come. They looked for Him to come free them from the ruling Romans. A King of the Jews came, but they crucified Him.

Do we have any bridges that we need to burn behind us-ill feelings, unforgiveness, blame, jealousy? Isn't it time to burn them?
Isn't it time to move forward with Jesus?
Friends, let us adore and worship our King Jesus as Christ the Lord. Shall we let His love fill our hearts today?


LET IT GO

Be a vessel used for God's glory.

Burn those ugly bridges behind me and go forward with Jesus today.

Love Jesus and others.

When the End is at Hand

O. T. #877  "When the End is at Hand"
Nov. 29, 2016
2 King 25

LET IT GLOW

What do we do when the end is at hand? Perhaps it is news from the doctor on test results that leaves you studded; maybe it comes when the boss drops a bomb that you have been terminated at your job; or the slamming of the door when a spouse leaves your marriage. What happened? What did I do wrong? What caused my world to shatter into pieces? How can I fix this? Is it my fault? I can do better. Oh, I know all things work together for my good and God's glory. Good verse, huh? What do I do when the end of _____ is at hand? Is it the end of life as it once was? Is it the beginning of the end? What now? So many questions, so few answers. Are you there? Is a loved one there?
Friends, it is not always our doings that causes these situations. sometimes it due to the sins of another.

Judah's end was at hand and it was their fault. God had given them a nation, a land, an everlasting love, and all they needed. All they had to do was love God, obey His commands and statues. Yet, with all their blessings, Israel and Judah turned away from God to idol worship, for years and years, for king after king.
Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 lay out the rules for blessings and cursings.

I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. (Lev. 26:12)

Now God was going to use Babylon to bring about judgment to His people for their sins. Here we go, the bow is coming.

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem, which was Judah's capital, King Jehoiachin and the royal family, and 10,000 citizens were led away into captivity. The treasures n the Temple and king's house were also taken. Only the poor sort of people remained. Then Babylon's king made Zedekiah those people's ruler. He was the uncle of Jehoiachin, Josiah's son and brother of Jehoiakim.

Zedekiah did what was evil in the Lord's sight. The Lord's anger was upon Jerusalem and Judah until He cast them out is presence. (24:20)

Judah's experiences during the siege can be read in Jeremiah 37-38. However, Jerusalem endured for 11 years. Hezekiah's tunnel provided fresh water supply for the city. But, the food supply ran out after 2 years. Just as Israel had been invaded 3 times by Assyria, so was Judah by Babylon. Hmm

What happened next?

• The city wall was broken up;
• all the men of war fled by night between the two walls near the king's garden, giving access the Kidron Valley, scattered and separated from their king;
• the king went with them and fled toward the planes of Jericho.
• Before Zedekiah could cross the Jordan River, he was captured by the Babyonian army, then taken to their King Nebuchadnezzer at Riblah.

Did you catch that-the king of Judah fled away when the end was at hand? Jeremiah had warned Zedekiah this would happen (Jer. 32 and 34).

What will we do when the end is at hand for us? Will we flee from our faithful God? Will we stick out on our own? Or will we cling tighter onto His right hand which holds us?

LET IT GROW

What occurred to Zedekiah when he stood before the Babylonian empire king?
Verse 7 answers that question: And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon.

The last thing Zedekiah was permitted to see before he was blinded and taken to Babylon was the death of his sons. There were no claimants left to the throne. (Falwell)

Zedekiah did not see Babylon, as foretold by Ezekiel and Jeremiah. He did see King Neb though. We know that Judah spent 70 years in captivity, too.

What will we see before our spiritual eyes go blind? Or will we close them? Will we keep them open and continue to remain faithfully trusting in our Great King Jesus? Isaiah predicted His coming to earth. We believe it happened by faith. We feel His presence by way of the Holy Spirit confirming it in our heart.

LET IT GO

Praise to King Jesus, who left heaven to become a man in order to provide for my salvation.

When the end is at hand, trust God.

Swept Away

O. T. #876  "Swept Away"
Nov. 28, 2016
2 Kings 24-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

This chapter tells us of the final and last 3 kings of Judah. Johoikim, who reigned 11 years; His son, Jehoichin, reigned 3 months; and Zedekiah (Mattaniah), who was Jehoichin's uncle, ruled 11 years. All here did evil in the sight of the Lord. Had they listened to Prophet Jeremiah, then the outcome of Jerusalem would have been different. Babylon came in and took them captive. They had defiled their God-given land with blood and idols. They were not fit to live upon it, so God swept them away in order to purify the land again. It was like sweeping dirt off my front porch. (Of course, it accumulates again since I live on a dirt road.)
The people were deported in three groups, with the poorest people left behind to manage things under the direction of their own governors. The good news is that the captive Jews were allowed to live together. This made it possible for them to return as Ezra recorded.

How do we react wen things or loved ones are swept away from us? Are we going to keep ahold of God's hand in our life?

LET IT GROW

Falwell gives us an interesting note about Zedekiah: Though he ruled as king, Zedekiah was never recognized as king by Ezekiel or by God (Jeremiah 22:30), for the last legitimate king, Jehoiachin, was still alive, though in captivity.

David Jeremiah said that the Prophet Ezekiel was likely among the second group of Jews to be deported to Babylon as captives.

Do we let things like not so good test results from the doctor, money spent on car repairs, the oven quits, and it is raining today effect our attitude and mood for the day? (I'm speaking to myself, folks.)
It's a happy time of the year. So many things for which to be thankful. Nothing can change God's love for us. So I'm not going to let my happiness be swept away by those challenges. It's time to pit on Christmas music and get decorating.

Luke 2:12 says: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

My Savior, your Savior, our family's Savior was born to bring us goodness and light and eternal life. Now that is something put a smile on our faces.

LET IT GO

Sweep away those humbug feelings and let joy come into my life again.

Trust Jesus for all my needs.

No Longer Fit

O. T. #875  "No Longer Fit"
November 25, 2016
2 Kings 24


LET IT GLOW

There were 3 more kings which reigned in Judah before they were taken captive to Babylon-Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah.
Jehoiakim reigned 11 years. Like his brother, he did not follow the ways of his godly father. He burned the scroll of Jeremiah, but could not destroy God's Word, nor stop judgment from coming. It is not a happy time in Judah.

The hour of judgment finally arrives, and God keeps His Word by bringing terrible wrath upon His people in the kingdom of Judah. God had given them a throne, a temple, a city, and a land, and upon each of these He poured out His anger. (Wiersbe)

King Nebuchadneezzar of Babylon came against Judah in 605 B.C. When his plans for taking Jehoiakim captive were altered, he made Jehoiakim a servant instead. This was the first deportation according to Daniel 1:1. He was a servant for 3 years before rebelling. Bands of enemies harassed and weakened Judah, contributing to her fall to Babylon. but this was done at God's command because of Judah's sin. (Falwell)

You will recall that King Manasseh did evil in God's sight-took idols into the Temple, worshiped idols, and even offered children to idols. He involved Judah, also. These are the sins which prophets predicted God would judge Judah for doing. God demands first place. That is why he made he first 2 commandments listed first.

No one mourned nor gave an honorable burial for Jehoiakim according to Jeremiah 36.

God keeps His Word. do we?

LET IT GROW

Jehoiachin, son of Jehoiakim, only reigned over Judah as king for 3 months. He was age 18. He did evil in God's sight, and reaped the consequences of his father's rebellion.
Nebuchaddnezzar beseiged Jerusalem and took the king, as well as his royal family, as permanent captives of Babylon. This was the second deportation.
They stripped the Temple and palace of valuables, and 10,000 citizens including Ezekiel were led captive to Babylon. The Jews were allowed to live together, stayed united, and later returned under Zerubbable and Ezra. . The nobles, princes, soldiers, craftsmen were included. Only the poorest people stayed behind to manage things as the governors, but King Neb won their loyalty.

The people had defiled their God-given land with blood and with idols; they were no longer fit to live upon it. God had to "sweep them away" that He might be able to purify the land once again. (Wiersbe)

Do we sometimes feel like we are no longer fit to serve God when we have disobeyed?
Grace brings us back to a loving Father.

LET IT GO

                       ...of my plans and my ways, to follow God's plans and ways for me.
                                   ...of a life of pleasure and ease to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow
                                        God.

*So grateful for 44 years of marriage to my husband. We are celebrating today in Branson.

Happy Thanksgivig

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Psalm 103:1-8 says:
                          Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
                           Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
                           Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;
                           Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with
                              lovingkindness and tender mercies;
                           Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like
                              the eagle's.
                           The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
                           He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel.
                           The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous  in mercy.  

I have so many things for which I am thankful. God has allowed my 2 sister in laws and brother (stroke) and sister (breast cancer) to live another year, as well as myself.
I am grateful for a faithful husband of 44 years (tomorrow);
                      for life and breath which sustains me, and salvation in Jesus Christ;
                      for my children and grandchildren, plus getting to visit them, and extended family;
                      for my church family;
                      for you dear friends in Christ who study His Word with me.

Please feel free to tell us what you are thankful for, sweety.

May the Lord bless you and keep you close to Him today.
Living Loved,
Linda

How Children Turn Out

O. T. #874  "How Children Turn Out"
Nov. 23, 2016
2 Kings 23-Part 3


LET IT GLOW

We have read of kings who had children that turned out not following the Lord's ways and Word. Was it do to neglect, preoccupation with politics, or military affairs, or religious education was delegated to others?

For some unstated reason, Josiah was determined to stop Necho and his Egyptian army from joining the Assyrian army at the Euphrates River to fight Babylon. He died after being shot by an arrow because he did not seek the Lord in this matter. The great ruler, sixteenth king of the southern kingdom, was gone.
What had Josiah accomplished during his time as king?

• He sought God and obeyed Him.
• He cleaned the Temple of idols and repaired it; established the priesthood, sacrificial system and feasts.
• He read the Law and the covenant made with God.
• He removed the idolatry system in Judah.

Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his mind and with all his heart and with all his strength according to all the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him. (2 Kings 23:25)

Friends, can this be said of us? Is God first in our life? Are we faithfully serving Him?


LET IT GROW

Who became the next 2  kings of Judah?

• Jehoahaz was Josiah's fourth son and became Judah's new king after his father's death.
• At age 23, he only reigned 3 months, characterized by evil.
• Jehoahaz killed the prophet Uriah (Jeremiah 26:20-23) and was dishonest, greedy, and unjust with the people.  
• Pharoah Necho of Egypt removed Jehoahaz from office and put him in bondage in Syria, to be taken to Egypt, exacted tribute from Judah. Jehoahaz died in Egypt.
• Necho placed Eliakim, called Jehoiakim, who was Josiah's second son, on the throne. He was 25 years old when he began to reign and ruled 11 years.
• When the royal treasuries emptied, Jehoiakim had to collect taxes from the people of Judah to pay tribute to Egypt. He was an evil king, also. He cut Jeremiah's prophecies up and burned them. No repentance brought the nation's doom with Babylon would prevail over Jerusalem and Judah.
• In 605 B.C., Egypt was defeated by Babylon. Thus, Judah became a state under Babylon, which is stated in the next chapter.

Did you notice that these two sons of Josiah did not follow in their father's footsteps by remaining faithful to God?

LET IT GO

Pray for America to repent and turn from her evil ways.

Meddling

O.T . #873  "Meddling"
2 Kings 23-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

A phrase I recall as a teacher by a student was, "She's meddling with me." Then I had to settle a dispute. Today, Josiah is meddling with God. Shall we see why and what happened?

Josiah was a good king in Judah, number 16 to be exact. Although he reformed Judah, destroying the idols and reestablishing the worship of God, judgment from God was still coming due to Manasseh's sin. However, there was no king like Josiah, according to verse 25.

MacArthur described him as: Of all the kings in David's line, including David himself, no king more closely approximated the royal ideal of Deuteronomy 17:14-2 than Josiah. Yet, even Josiah fell short of complete obedience because he had multiple wives (verses 31 and 36). Even this righteous man could not turn away the Lord's wrath because of Manasseh's sin (verses 26 and 27).

Hezekiah was described as the greatest king which trusted God by faith while his great grandson, Josiah, was described as being the greatest king in following the Law of God in obedience.

Are we following their examples by our trust in God and obedient actions? Faith and obedience is what pleases God. He looks upon the heart.

LET IT GROW

Meantime, what was going on around Judah?

• The Pharaoh of Egypt, Neco, was marching through Judah to Assyria. Egypt and Assyria had formed an alliance to battle against Babylon, who threatened to become the dominant world power.
• In 612 B.C. the Assyrian capital of Nineveh fell to the Babylonians. It was for their advantage for Egypt and Assyria to join forces against Babylon.
• Did Josiah consider both nations turning on Judah after they battled with Babylon? Did he see Egypt as a potential power to his newly gained independence?
• Looking at 2  Chronicles 35, we read where Josiah went out to fight against Neco. Neco asked Josiah, "What quarrel is there between you and me, O king of Judah? It is not you that I am attacking at this time, but the house with which I am at war. God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you." (verse 21 NIV)
• KJV puts it this way, forebear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that He destroy thee not.
• Webster's Dictionary defines meddling as to interest someone in what is not one's concern.
• Why was Josiah meddling in Egypt's business of attacking them when they did not mean them any harm? Their army was only passing through their land to get to Assyria to aid in battling Babylon. He was opposing God's plan, kicking against the prick, so to speak.

Di you catch this-God was moving upon a king and nation to accomplish His purpose of Babylon ruling the world? What transpired? King Josiah did not listen to King Neco, did not turn his army away from Egypt, and disguised himself as he joined them.
Archers shot King Josiah; his servants took him to his chariot, then Jerusalem to die.

Ugh! How sad of an ending for a great king, wouldn't you agree? Needless, warned of the outcome. Was it pride that caused him to not turn away?
Do we find our self meddling where we have no business doing so? Do we have the tendency to interfere?
Are we interfering in anther's life where we should not, so God can accomplish His plan?
Something to consider?

LET IT GO

Pray before meddling into another's business.

Don't rush in to save the day when God may not have that in His plan.

Seek His will and obey it.

Small and Great

O.T. #872  "Small and Great"
Nov. 21, 2016
2 Kings 2


LET IT GLOW

Josiah was a godly king of Judah. He sent 5 men to inquire of a prophetess what was in store for him and his nation. The message was one of them being conquered, but not during Josiah's lifetime. (Babylon did later.) When the king received the word, he called together the elders of Jerusalem and Judah and they went into the Temple, the house of the LORD.

Who gathered with Josiah?
All the elders and men of Judah, all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the priests and prophets, and all the people both great and small met with the king in the Temple.

Who is going to be in the New Jerusalem, of which Revelation 20-21 speaks?
The dead, small and great, those whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, those who were overcomers, nations of the saved, kings, the bride of Christ, saints who kept the faith, and worshipers of Jesus Christ will be  upon the new heaven and new earth forever and ever.

Dear one, will you be there, too? I do so much want to meet you and hear your life story. Are we sure that our loved ones will be there, too?

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life; no one comes unto the Father but by Him. (John 14:6)


LET IT GROW

What did King Josiah do in the House of God?

• He read all the words of the book of the covenant which had been found there. (verse 2)
• He stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD:
• to walk after the LORD, to keep His commandments, testimonies, and statutes with all their heart and all their soul; to perform the words of the covenant written in the book.
• The people stood in conformation and agreement of the new covenant.
• The king ordered the high priest and the second ranking priests to take all the vessels made for Baal worship, the groves of Asherah, and idols for heavenly objects worship removed from the Temple and burned in the Kidron fields, with ashes taken to Bethel.
• He did away with the idolatrous priests who burned incense to Baal and deities, the Sodomites that were Baal-cult prostitutes, the pole used in luid worship.
• Josiah did away with the altar at Bethel where Jeroboam caused Israel to sin in idolatry; the bones of the ungodly priests of Jeroboam were burnt on the altar there. (It as prophesied some 300 years earlier in 1 Kings 13.)The bones of the prophet of Samaria who foretold this was spared.
• Josiah's reform was spread to the cities of Samaria, also.
• He put away the mediums and wizards, and household gods.

There was no king like Josiah, not even Hezekiah, that was more dedicated to the Lord and the Law than Josiah. (Falwell)

Josiah was 8 years old when he became king of Judah, and reigned 31 years in Jerusalem.
Some say this valley is where Josiah was killed by the Pharoah Necho, the valley of Jezereel, the valley of Jehoshaphat, and where Armagaddon will take place-the place of judgment.

LET IT GO

Worship only God.

Remove any idols or gods in my household.

Share that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life.

Asking for Help

O. T. #871  "Asking for Help"
Nov. 18, 2016
2 Kings 22-Part 2
He is the God who keeps every promise.  (Psalm 146:6)

LET IT GLOW

Do you ever get so desperate that you ask others to inquire of the Lord for you? I think we ask others to pray for us as we go through trials or are making an important decision. Friends, we are there now. As we wait for test results on my husband, will you pray for us? Devastating news is so heard to hear, yet this has not caught our God by surprise. He has a right answer and direction for us. It is all for His glory and our good. Today's king asks others for help, too.

When Judah was repairing the Temple in Jerusalem, the high priest discovered a copy of the Law of Moses, which had been discarded in this idolatrous nation. When King Josiah heard the Law read, , he knew Judah was in great danger of God's wrath because of the sins of Manasseh.
King Josiah not only restored the Temple for worship and the Law being read, but he also restored the Passover Feast.
During his reign, Josiah's nation experienced peace and blessings of the Lord. His faithfulness stayed the hand of God for a few more years, but captivity was coming and nothing could prevent it.
[Resource: Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament]

LET IT GROW

What did King Josiah do?
He commanded Hilkiah the priest, Shaphan the scribe, Asahiah the king's servant, and Ahikam and Achbor to Go ye, inquire of the LORD for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the LORD that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us. (verse 13)

What transpired?

• The 5 men went to Huldah the prophetess, keeper of the wardrobe, who dwelt in the college of Jerusalem.
• She was held in high regard for her prophetic gift, but otherwise unknown in the OT. We do not understand why she was consulted and not the prophets Jeremiah or Zephaniah. Rarely did God speak through a woman to a nation and never did a woman have an ongoing prophetic ministry. (MacArthur)
• Except for Miriam in Exodus 15, Deborah in Judges 5, and Queen Easter, women were silent when it came to spiritual matters in that time. However, in the NT, women ministered unto Jesus.
• Huldah spoke from the LORD to King Josiah: God was going to bring judgment upon Jerusalem and Judah because of idolatry; he would not live to see Jerusalem destroyed. (verses 16-17)
• It is because Josiah's heart was tender and he was humbled before God when he heard what God had said desolation and a curse was coming, then he tore his clothes and wept before God. He heard Josiah. (verse 19)
• The men took the words to the king.

Josiah's heart was at peace with God and he never lived to see Jerusalem destroyed, but he did die in battle against Necho of Egypt, a potential threat as Egypt was aiding Assyria against Babylon's domination. (2 Chronicles 35:23)


LET IT GO

Keep a humble and tender heart toward God.

Inquire of the Lord during times of uncertainty.

*I ask for prayer for my husband as he goes through tests to find what is wrong. We have seen the doctors the last two days, and testing, so I did not post yesterday. We are holding onto Jesus as He holds us.

Who is Doing Right?

O. T. #870  "Who is Doing Right?
Nov. 16, 2016
2 Kings 22

LET IT GLOW

Who is doing right? What is right? It seems in our society that people are doing what seems right in their own eyes, not what the Bible says is right. When God's Word is removed from public places and no longer read, sin abounds. We saw the results in our schools with killings and now in our streets and public gatherings. Without a foundation of right and wrong,  guideline for our lives, we go the way of sin. Haven't we read it throughout the book of 2 Kings? Worshiping of idols verses worshiping God. Today's new king in Judah confronted the same issues as we do.

Shall we review this family of kings in Judah? There is such a contrast between the best king of Judah (Hezekiah) and the worst king (Manasseh), which was his son. Here we read about the worst and best kings found in the same family. During his reign as king, Manasseh killed God's prophets, including Isaiah, having sawn him into two. If that wasn't bad enough, he led Judah back to idolatry.That is how wicked he was during the 55 years as king in Judah, beginning at age . (He was the longest reigning king.) Had we not jumped over to 2 Chronicles 33, we would not have known of the repentance of the latter.

Then along came Amon, Manasseh's son, who became the next king. He was 22 when he reigned for two years in Judah. The worst ways of Manasseh was emulated by Amon in that he served and worshiped idols. He was killed by his servants. That was another bad king. Now in chapter 22 we read of a better king-Josiah. (Aren't we ready for him?)

Who was Josiah and what did he accomplish while reigning in Judah as king?

• Josiah began reigning at age 8 and continued for 31 years.
• At age 16, Josiah began to seek the Lord. He must have been under the godly influence of a mother, priests, and prophets who taught him during his young years.
• He was the last good king of the Davidic line prior to the Babylonian exile.
• It was during Josiah's righteous reign that the world power in the ancient Near East passed from Assyria to Babylon. Nineveh, Assyria's capital, was destroyed in 612 B.C., causing this empire to fall three years later.
• During Josiah's reign, the prophets Habakkuk, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah were possibly present in Judah.
• He used military force to purge his nation of idols.
• It was during his twelfth year that he began religious reformation in Judah.
• And he did right in the sight of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. (verse 2)

That is the setting for us to consider surrounding Josiah's time.  Josiah was like his great grandfather, Hezekiah. Will our great grandchildren be like us, strong in faith and serving the Lord Jesus?


LET IT GROW

When Josiah was 26, he called for repair of the Temple of God. Deterioration and valuables taken previously by the evil kings Ahaz and Manesseh, plus Hezekiah paid tribute to the Assyrian king using the expensive items in the Temple left it lacking.

He sent the high priest Hilkiah to access the silver in the Lord's house. Workers were repairing the Temple. Can you hear the sounds of the repair work?
Guess what Hilkiah found in the midst of he mess-The Book of the Law. He gave it to Shaphan the scribe, who read it to the king, (verse 10)
This scroll was the Torah, the revelation of God through Moses to Israel and called the Pentateuch. It is the first 5 books of the Bible.
Some say the Scribe read from Deuteronomy 28-30 that records the national covenant renewal and lists terrible threats and curses for those who violate the Law of God.
Josiah realized Judah' guilt of sin and God's judgment coming, resulting in his reaction of grief.

Next time we will pick up there. What actions will the king take?
I wonder, does our spirit grieve over the sins of abortion, homosexuality, and immorality in our nation? Are we praying for America's repentance and reformation, along with God's grace and mercy? Our children need to be taught the ways of God from His Word. Will it begin with us


LET IT GO

Pray.

Hold onto the hope that Christ brings in His Word.

Teach His Word and apply it to my life.

The Damage Had Already Been Done

O. T. #869  "The Damage Had Already Been Done"
Nov. 14, 2016
2 Kings 21-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Manasseh was the longest reigning Hebrew king, some 55 years.  He was also known as their most evil king. Towards the end of his life, after this man had been captured by the Assyrians, he repented of his sinful ways, and found God's grace. He was allowed to return to his throne in Judah for a while.
Although he was converted, Manasseh's damage had been done concerning his influence of idolatry on his son, Amon and is nation later.

We once knew a man who was saved in his later years. He regretted having not experienced it soon, or his influence upon his son was not one of faith in Jesus. He was burdened for his son, yet he did not want anything to do with his father's new found faith. I don't know if the son every came to Christ, since we moved away from the area. I pray he did.
I was reminded of this true story as I read about Manasseh and Amon.

Are we burdened over the spiritual state of our family members? Do we pray and witness to them?

LET IT GROW

As it turned out, King Amon was not affected by his father's late conversion. He continued in the idolatry of his father's previous teachings. Amon, like Joash in chapter 12, was killed by his servants, after only reigning 2 years in Judah. Apparently, It was a conspiracy of the people.

Some things we can undo and some things we can't. It is best for us to watch our words and actions, making sure they coincide with God's Word. But, God's Grace is always available when we flub up.


LET IT GO

Encourage others to remain faith to God.

Lift the cross of Jesus high.

Surrender all to Him, my past, present, and future.

Cleaning a Dish by Turning it Upside Down

O. T. #869  "Cleaning a Dish by Turning it Upside Down"
November 14, 2016
2 Kings 21


LET IT GLOW

Just this morning I washed up a few dishes after having chili for supper last night. I had to turn them upside down and make sure all of the dishes were clean. Chili can leave a mess, as you will know. I didn't want any residue left. God was judging Jerusalem in a similar manner. He was going to turn it upside down.

There will be 5 kings of Judah mentioned in the next three chapters, but two main ones are Manasseh and Josiah. We will pick up on the spiritual lives of these two kings being the opposite of each other. Just when we thought we had read of the worse kings, then a good king, Hezekiah, here comes the most evil king of all.

Wiesbe describes Manasseh as beginning his reign in sin but ending it in humble repentance, while Josiah sought the Lord early in his life but ended his reign (and his life) in disobedience. Manasseh built up what Hezekiah had torn down, and tore down what Hezekiah had built up. Tradition tells us that Isaiah was sawn in two by Manasseh (Hebrews 11:37).

Liberty Bible Commentary describes who this ruthless king of Judah was:

• Manasseh was King Hezekiah's son, who began his 55 year reign as king of Judah at age 12, which was the longest reign of any Jewish king.
• He was probably co-regent with his father for about 10 years, some say.
• Manasseh sponsored a movement to undo his father's reformation.
• In open defiance of Jehovah, Manasseh restored the worship of Baal, Asherah, and asteral deities.
• He sacrificed his own son to the Ammonite god Molech. (Psalm 106:36-37 connects Molech worship to demonism.) [No wonder he is described as the most evil king.]
• This king put a graven image in the Temple.
• Thanks to Manasseh, Judah became more heathen than the peoples the Israelites had destroyed under the leadership of Moses and Joshua.
• God was judging Jerusalem as He had Samaria of Israel. (The Lord used a metaphor of  a measuring line, plumb line, and cleaning a dish by turning it upside down to describe this.)
• Judah was God's remaining people, tribe, yet He would deliver them into the hand of their enemy, becoming a prey and spoil.

What kind of legacy will we leave? Will we be described as a person of faith, faithfully serving God?

LET IT GROW

King Manasseh was born within the 15 years of  Hezekiah's extended life. What a sad thing, too, for this son of a great, faithful king became known as the most evil in Judah and Israel. He tore down what his father had built up and replaced worship of God with idol worship.

The Lord sent prophets to this evil king for warning of judgment but he would not heed. We read the rest of his story in 2 Chronicles 33:11-19. The captains of the king of Assyria's army captured Manasseh and made him their servant. 

Verses 12 and 13 reveal a good ending of Manasseh's life:
And when he was in affliction, he besought the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers,
And prayed unto Him: and He was intreated of him and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manassah knew that the LORD He was God.

Manasseh went on to build a wall around Jerusalem, remove the idols which he had previously worshiped, and made offerings unto God.

This king had an opportunity to live a godly life and serve the Lord and his people with faithfulness, yet he did not at the beginning of his reign. Then at the latter end, he repented and reformed.

So many people life their life without God, then as their end draws closer, they repent and serve Him. It seems like such a waste, but coming to God in the end is better than not coming at all.
It shows us that we should not give up on folks. Keep praying for our loved ones and witnessing to them. 

LET IT GO

Draw near to God and He will draw near to me.

Humble myself before a Holy God.

Repent of my sins.

Keep praying for others to come to Jesus as their Savior.

Turn my world upside down for Jesus.

Getting Carried Away

O. T. #868  "Getting Carried Away"
Nov. 11, 2016
2 Kings 20-Part 4


LET IT GLOW

Have you ever gotten caught up in the moment and said too much, did things you shouldn't have done, or gone too far in a situation? The king in our chapter got carried away, all right. Because he showed too much, his family would pay for it later as they got carried away into captivity by Babylon.

King Hezeiah received a sign from God that what he was told by Isaiah would come to pass-he would live 15 more years and Jerusalem would be protected from Assyria.
This chapter may have taken place earlier that where it appears in the Scriptures.
What happened?

• The Babylonian king sent letters and a present to the ill king of Judah.
• The Babylonian ambassadors were supposedly sent to congratulate Hezekiah on his recovery and to inquire of the miracle (2 Chronicles 32:31); but most historians believe his real purpose was to induce him to rebel against the Assyrians. (Falwell)
• Hezekiah showed the messengers all that was in his storehouses-silver, gold, spice, fine oil, armory and all among his treasury.
• There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them. (verse 13)

What a mistake! The king showed all his treasures to an enemy. He should have known better than that. Was it his self-confidence, pride, too much trust, or caught up in the moment that provoked the king to do such a thing?

(Let me throw this in: if Hezekiah had died from that illness, there would have been no King Manasseh (Judah's most evil king), thus there would there have been King Josiah. Would Babylon taken Judah captive anyway? Well, it all happened so there is no need for speculation, is there?

Do we realize what an influence our life has for future generations of our family?

LET IT GROW

Isaiah asked Hezekiah who those visiting men were, and he answered the truth, they were from Babylon. Isaiah asked what they had seen in his house, he answered all.
What did the Lord say would happen as a result of the king's actions? All things would be carried into Babylon.
Since Hezekiah had exposed everything to the Babylonians, they would return someday to claim for themselves Judah's possessions and people, including the king's sons. It happened about a century later. King Hezekiah got carried away and his generations to come would get carried away as slaves.
Manasseh, Hezekiah's son and next king, was taken to Babylon and imprisoned, but he humbled himself and God delivered him (2 Chron. 33:11-19).

Hezekiah went down in Jewish history as a great king. He accomplished many things. He fortified the city, improved its water system, cleansed the land of idols, and sought to lead the people back to the Lord. He was a man of prayer who knew how to "spread it out before the Lord." (Wiersbe)

We are no greater than this king in Judah, except David and Jesus, of course. We make mistakes, have our weak moments, and pride. Do we maintain a relationship with God that is strong? Do we ask for self control, which is a fruit of the Spirit?

LET IT GO

Pride to humility, lack of self control to self control, words and actions are thought out.

Stepping Back

O. T. #867  "Stepping Back"
Nov. 10, 2016
2 Kings 20-Part 3


LET IT GLOW

There have been times in my life when stepping back and taking another look at my situation from a different perspective was needful. I can do that when I ask God to show me what He is doing and His perspective on my circumstances. My spiritual eyes need opened so I can see a deeper purpose in events in question. In today's story, the king witnessed the Lord moving something backwards as a sign. Curious? Read on friend.

King Hezekiah was told to get his house in order because he would not live, getting over his illness. Reasonably, this faithful man prayed and cried out to his God. Then the Lord added 15 more years onto his life and would deliver Jerusalem from the Assyrians. A salve of figs was put on Hezekiah's boil and he recovered. All of this was done through the prophet Isaiah.

Verse 8 says, And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, What shall be the sign that the LORD will heal me, and that I shall go up unto the house of the LORD the third day?

The king was wanting a sign that he would be healed. In the Hebrew language, the word sign has several meanings, in the sense of appearing; a signal as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence; mark, miracle, token.

 Hezekiah wanted evidence that he would be healed. Many times I have asked God for a sign as to indicate which choice, way, I should go when a decision was to be made. Maybe it was a lack of faith on my part, but He would show me the right way.

Bible students have debated for years whether Hezekiah should have prayed for healing and whether his recovery was God's perfect will or His permissive will. (Wiersbe)

It happened, whichever the case.


LET IT GROW

As a sign that the Lord would do as He promised, healing Hezekiah, the shadow would go forward or backwards 10 steps. The king requested that the shadow go back 10 steps.

What does that mean?
It was the first biblical mention of any means of marking time. (MacArthur)

The dial (steps) was not the traditional sun dial. It was perhaps a stone stairway with steps to mark out the hours. The king could see it from his palace window. (Wiersbe)

Isaiah prayed and God brought back the shadow 10 steps. Whether it was a universal phenomenon or a local prolongation of light in Judah, it was a miracle by God and a sign that the king would live.

Are our eyes open to see the workings of God around us?

All things work together for our good and His glory, even if we don't understand why something happens. That is why we live by faith and not by sight. Faith is hope in God.


LET IT GO

Trust in Jesus.

Pray.

A Death Bed Experience

O. T. #866 "A Death Bed Experience"
November 9, 2016
2 Kings 20-Part 2


LET IT GLOW

I can sit back and relax with the campaigning and election over. Well, just for a  minute. Now I pray for our nation, our spiritual reformation, moral restoration, and economic regeneration. It will come as God works in hearts, souls, and minds, as we love Him with all of ours. Do I hear an amen?

We left King Hezekiah of Judah on his death bed, turning his face to the wall, praying and sobbing. He was told to get his house in order. He was going to die. I can only imagine that my reaction would be the same, or worse.

Here was a good king who had walked with the Lord and swerved Him wholeheartedly. He reminded the Lord of this, too. Well, Prophet Isaiah left the king's presence giving him some privacy. That is when the Lord gave some "I wills" for Hezekiah, for the LORD, God of David, heard his prayer and saw his tears:

• I will heal you; on the third day go to the Temple.
• I will add unto your days 15 years.
• I will deliver you and this city (Jerusalem) out of the hand of the king of Assyria.
• I will defend this city for My own sake and My servant David's sake.

Look at what the Life Application Study Bible has to say:

Over a 100-year period of Judah's history (732-640 B.C.), Hezekiah was the only faithful king; but what a difference he made! Because of Hezekiah's faith and prayer, God healed him and saved his city from the Assyrians. You can make a difference, too, even if your faith puts you in the minority. Faith and prayer, if they are sincere and directed toward the One True God, can change any situation.

Do we want God to use us to make a difference in our family and community? Increase our faith and prayers' sincerity, Lord.


LET IT GROW

What transpired?
Isaiah told the king's servant (I suppose that is to whom he spoke) to take a lump of figs, a poultice, and lay it upon the boil. Was it a divinely prescribed medical cure or a miraculous healing? Either case, God worked in response to Hezekiah's prayer.
Wait, he didn't beg God to let him live, nor to extend his life 15 years but that is what happened. What mercy!

We can read Hezekiah's "Song of Deliverance", a song of praise to the Lord.  His bitterness was turned to peace as death neared, yet deliverance was had.

Do we praise the Lord when He uses medical treatments to heal us or our loved ones? Our lump of figs may come in the form of chemotherapy, surgery, or antibiotics/medicines. However, it is the healing power of  Jesus that cures. He did it for the blind man as he spit upon the ground and made a salve for the eyes. Also, Saul, later Paul's scales over his eyes fell off.

We shout HALLEJUAH JESUS! Glory to Your name for restoring my life twice, the life of my two sister in laws, and sustaining our former youth director. So many He has brought up from their death be experience.

Do we need to pray for someone who needs to be raised from their spiritual death bed? Resurrection is found in Jesus Christ.

LET IT GO

                                ...and shout praises unto the Lord God Almighty, El Shaddiah!

                                ... and always sing His praises, Worthy is the Lamb who is Holy of glory, honor,
                                    and praise!

                                ... and pray, trusting God's best is best for us.
            
                                ... and thank Him even when God chooses not to heal.

                    

Devastating News

O. T. #865 "Devastating News"
Nov. 8, 2016
2 Kings 20


LET IT GLOW

If I had been told by God through  preacher to get my house in order back in 2001, I would have been devastated by the news. Little did I know when I went into surgery, that afterwards I would stop breathing and my family would be in the hall praying for me to survive. It will be 15 more years come December 21 since that incident occurred. I am living my extended life, as I call it. How marvelous and merciful my God is. Do you have a similar experience?
 Today, we read of a king who is given the news that he would die of his present illness, and to put his house in order. Before we discuss find out what happens to him, I want to share what I discovered.

I like the Chronological Bible which places Scriptures in order of their event and not as they were put together in the King James day. As I looked into it, Israel (Samaria the capital) fell to the world empire of Assyria during King Hezekiah's sixth year reign in Judah (Jerusalem the capital). This happened due to Israel's refusing to listen to the Lord and obey Him. We find this in chapter 18, which is about 100 pages before chapter 20. A lot of things happen in between those chapters.

Isaiah prophecies about Israel and Judah being captured if they don't repent of their sins of idol worship and turn back to God. His judgment is coming. Micah warns Israel of Assyria's coming and God's love for them.

This is before Babylon comes to conquer Judah that chapter 20 occurs. It was in those days that Hezekiah becomes deathly sick. (It was 20 years before Assyria fell to Babylon.)

The Lord speaks through Isaiah saying, Set your house (affairs) in order for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.

Is he a friend of God in that his time of death is revealed? Hezekiah was a good king in Judah, full of faith in God. He restored the Temple at Jerusalem and their sacrificial system. He has been a praying king, a listening to prophets king, and now a broken king.

LET IT GROW

How did this man, a great godly king over Judah, through whom the Messiah was predicted to come, react to such devastating news?
Hezekiah knew God was sovereign, in control of life and death, although willing to listen to his appeal. Can you see Hezekiah turn his face to the wall, lying on his sick bed? And he prays, crying out to God, heart broken:
Remember, O LORD, now how I have walked before You in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in Thy sight.

Then Hezekiah wept bitterly.

A perfect heart means he served God wholeheartedly. Hezekiah did not want to die before he completed his moral reform in Judah. (Falwell)

Are we ever ready for devastating news from a test result, from a doctor, from a person at the door or on the phone?

Friend, are you prepared to meet your Maker?
Are we willing to accept God's will?

LET IT GO

Serve God wholeheartedly.

Walk by faith and in His Truth.

Do what pleases God.

A Hook and a Bit

O. T. #864 "A Hook and a Bit"
Nov. 7, 2016
2 Kings 19-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

A hook is still used to hang up the dead cow at the processing plant so they can cut it up. A bit is used to make a horse go where the rider wants. These two items are used for a purpose to be accomplished. God was going to use such things on the king of Assyria (figuratively speaking).

Prophet Isaiah reassured King Hezekiah with words from the Lord God to not be afraid of the king of Assyria and his threats. Their enemies had blasphemed the Living God of Judah so He would take care of the situation. Hezekiah went to the Temple and spread the letter before the Sovereign Lord God boldly praying, though not flippantly:

• He proclaimed God as the God of Israel, the God alone over all the kingdoms, and Creator of heaven and earth.
• He asked God to listen closely and see that Sennacherib had sent words to mock the living God.
• Hezekiah acknowledges that the kings of Assyria had devastated other nations, and even thrown their wooden and stone gods into the fire, destroying them.
• He asked the Lord God to save Judah from the hand of King Sennacherib that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the LORD God-You alone. (verse 19)

Are we proclaiming that the Lord God is the only True Living God? He is God Alone, no other. Jesus is the only way to God and He loves us. Jesus took our place so we do not have to pay for our sins. He paid our sin debt. Such love! Glory to God! Hallelujah!! Let us proclaim His salvation today.

LET IT GROW

God answered King Hezekiah's prayer through Prophet Isaiah in verses 21-34:

• God reassured Hezekiah that He heard his prayer about Sennacherib king of Assyria. (v. 20)
• Jerusalem, the virgin daughter, had not been violated or conquered since the days of David. She shook her head in a gesture of decision (Ps. 22:7).
• Sennacherib had not mocked or reviled Jerusalem o Hezekiah, but the Holy One of Israel. (v. 22)
• In verses 23-24, we read of the metaphors to depict the boastings of easy victories and successful achievements of Sennacherib.
• God did it, not this pagan king. God alone allowed or caused such things. (v. 25)
• It was God who ordained the fall of nations by Assyria, not their strength or the other nations' weaknesses. (v. 26)
• God knew every movement, rage, blasphemy, tumult, and arrogance of Sennacherib of Assyria. (v. 27-28)
• Look at verse 28-I will put my hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will make you go the way you came.  (Sennacherib was planning to lead the Jews shamefully back to Assyria, instead he would be he one to return shamefully, led by the God he had reviled.)
• Verses 29-31 refer to the remnant and their crops.
• Proof that Assyria would not harm Jerusalem-not so much as 1 arrow would be shot in the city. God would defend this city, His city. (v. 32-34)

What happened?
The angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians that very night. (v.35)
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, returned to Nineveh, just as God had said he would. Then, 20 years later, he was killed by his own 2 sons, while worshiping his god. (v. 36-37)

Life Application Study Bible explains:

The Assyrians treated captives with cruelty. They tortured prisoners for entertainment by blinding them, cutting them, or pulling off strips of their skin until they died. If the Assyrians wished to make a captive a slave, hey would often put a hook in his nose. God was saying that the Assyrians would be treated the way they had treated others.

Does it take a hook in our nose or a bit in our mouth that gets us where God wants us to be?
God can rebuild a nation with only a spark of faith, rekindling the fire. Will we be the spark?


LET IT GO

Proclaim God as the only True Living God to be worshiped.

Trust God to keep His Word. He is faithful forever.

Pray for our nation.

A Last Letter

O. T. #863  "A Last Letter"
Nov. 2, 2016
2 Kings 19-Part 2


LET IT GROW

Have you ever received an intimidating or threatening letter? My husband pastor did once. A certain family was trying to get rid of him as pastor. They even went to the extreme of contacting our denomination's state office, associational office, and our deacons. This happened before our new sanctuary was competed, so we knew the source and reason for it. Evil was trying to get us to leave so the sanctuary was not complete, but it did not happen. After much prayer, we confronted the family and they admitted what they had done was wrong. The Lord had a way of changing hearts through that difficult time.
Hezekiah received such a (last) letter from the ruling emperor, so he prayed to God for guidance and deliverance.

The king of Assyria (world power) had captured all the fortified cities of Judah and sent messengers to the godly King Hezekiah threatening him, to conquer Jerusalem, and blaspheming God. Hezekiah went to the Temple to pray while he sent a message to Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah relayed the Lord's message to the king-the Assyrian king would return to his land and be killed, which came to pass.

It  was rumored that the Pharaoh of Egypt (25 dynasty) was going to attack Assyria, so the king went home. Before leaving, he sent a last letter to Hezekiah: Let not your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria. Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to the countries: they completely destroyed
them. Will you be rescued? 


Challenging God was he? This pagan king trusted in his abilities and his army. God wins every time, though. All would soon see that. Obviously it terrified the king.

LET IT GROW


What did Hezekiah do when he received such a letter?
He took the letter from the hand of the messengers, read it, then went up to the Temple, and spread it out before the LORD. Then Hezekiah prayed.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains that Hezekiah's prayer included 4 points:

1. He recognized God's sovereignty, that He had complete authority over what He created;
2. the pagan Sennacherib had defied the living and sovereign God;
3. Sennacherib had indeed destroyed other nations and other gods, for they were no gods-Sennacherib's claims; only proved that pagan gods were not gods;
4. he requested that God save His people and show the world that Jehovah was the only God.

Do we acknowledge God as being in complete authority over all things? However, He allows us to make choices, not treating us as puppets.
Do we choose to lay our petitions before this Sovereign God?


LET IT GO

Pray about situations that come up.

Lay my petitions before God.

Trust the Sovereign God of the universe to do what is just and right.

Don't be afraid, for He is fighting my battles.

*I am visiting my grandchildren in the northeast this week, so I may not get to post Thursday. Check back Friday, my dear friends.

A Last Letter

O. T. #863  "A Last Letter"
Nov. 2, 2016
2 Kings 19-Part 2
verser???

LET IT GROW

The king of Assyria (world power) had captured all the fortified cities of Judah and sent messengers to the godly King Hezekiah threatening him and blaspheming God. Hezekiah went to the Temple to pray while he sent a message to Prophet Isaiah. Isaiah relayed the Lord's message to the king-the Assyrian king would return to his land and be killed, which came to pass.

It  was rumored that the Pharaoh of Egypt (25 dynasty) was going to attack Assyria, so the king went home. Before leaving, he sent a last letter to Hezekiah: Let not your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be handed over to the king of Assyria. Look, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to the countries: they completely destroyed
them. Will you be rescued? 


Challenging God was he? God wins every time. All would soon see that.

LET IT GROW


What did Hezekiah do when he received such a letter?
He took the letter from the hand of the messengers, read it, then went up to the Temple, and spread it out before the LORD. Then Hezekiah prayed.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains that Hezekiah's prayer included 4 points:

1. He recognized God's sovereignty, (verse 15) that He had complete authority over what He created;
2. the pagan Sennacherib had defied the living and sovereign God;
3. Sennacherib had indeed destroyed other nations and other gods, for the

LET IT GO

Word Watching

O. T. 862  "Word Watching"
Nov. 1, 2016
2 Kings 19


LET IT GLOW

Words can hurt us as much as sticks and stones, right? Well, I guess it depends on how we react to them. Do we allow them to cut us to the core or do we consider the source and go on, letting the Lord handle them? Are we word watching or watching words hurt us? Judah's king had a threating message from the king of the Assyrian Empire. How did he handle it? He was a good model for us.

When the king of the Assyrian Empire captured the fortified cities of Judah, he sent his messenger, Rab-shakeh to deliver a message so all those on the walls of Jerusalem. King Hezekiah's court secretary, Shebna, and Eliakim who was in charge of the palace, and Joah the court historian heard the message and told the king of Judah.

How did King Hezekiah react to the threat of complete takeover of Judah?
Verse 1 says, When King Hezekiah heard their report, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, went into the  LORD's Temple. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Then the king sent the court secretary and leading priests to Prophet Isaiah. This is the first mention of Isaiah. He had been working for God since the days of Uzziah, (Azariah) 40 years. As long as Isaiah counseled Judah's kings, Assyia had not conquered her. Although King Ahaz ignored Isaiah's advice, Hezekiah listened

What did Hezekiah's message to Isaiah say?

• Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them.
• Perhaps Yahweh your God will hear all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke him for the words that Yahweh your God has head.
• Therefore, offer a prayer for the surviving remnant.

Is prayer our first response in crisis? Or do we wait until all is hopeless. We should be praying daily for God's guidance. Our problems are God's opportunities. He can use them to mold us, be a witness of His greatness, or to break us.

LET IT GROW

How did Isaiah answer the king?

• The LORD says, "Don't be afraid because of the words you have heard, that the king of Assyria's attendants have blasphemed Me with.
• I am about to put a spirit in him, and he will hear a rumor and return to his own land where I will cause him to fall by the sword."

Webster's Dictionary defines the word blasphemy means the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God.


The MacArthur Bible Commentary explains:

Sennacherib had blasphemed the Lord by equating Him with other gods. The Lord would personally demonstrated to the Assyrian king His superiority over all other so-called deities. The Lord promised to incline Sennacherib's attitude in such a way that he would leave Jerusalem unharmed and return home.

He left, but not before sending messengers once again to King Hezekiah  relaying the same message which is found in verses 10-13.

Stay with me, dear ones. We will see how Sovereign God handles this one who was king of a mighty empire, and who blasphemed Him.

Are we watching our words? Are they honoring God or not? Do they challenge God like this king did? What message are we giving others with our words?

LET IT GO

Always respect God.

Watch my words today.

Forgive and turn the other cheek.