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.