Weeping Tears

O. T. #991  "Weeping Tears"
May 9, 2017
2 Chronicles 32-Part 3


LET IT GLOW

The king of Assyria, Sennacherib, intimidated Judah and was ready to attack Jerusalem, then challenged God, but God responded by killing 185,000 men in his army. God proved Himself sovereign and all-powerful.  So the king went home and his 2 sons ended up killing him.

We pick up the res of the story of Hezekiah in verse 24. Hezekiah became deathly ill. In fact, the prophet Isaiah spoke words from the Lord God:
Set you affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness. 

Here is one of the greatest kings of Judah, the most devoted spiritual leaders, a repairer of the Temple and restorer of true worship of Jehovah, a remover of idols, and invited Israel to join them in observing the Passover-he was warned that he was going to die. (Some think he had a cancerous boil.) This faithful servant of God had completed his purpose? So soon? Wouldn't we be in shock if the doctors told us to get our house in order, for death would be coming to us soon?

How did this wonderful king react to such news?
Verse 2 says he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you. Then he broke down and wept bitterly.


Who can blame him?

LET IT GROW

We read of the Lord's response through Isaiah, which is found in 2 Kings 20:

• I have heard your prayer and seen your tears.
• I will heal you.
• In 3 days from now you will get out of bed and go to the Temple.
• I will add 15 years to your life.
• I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria.
• I will defend this city for my own honor and for the sake of my servant David.

Hezekiah had a poultice of figs placed upon his boil and it was healed, just as he was told.

Can we be encouraged by this with assurance that God hears our prayers and acts with mercy according to His will? To some He sends healing and to some death. Both life and death are in His hands. Do we have faith to accept His will for either? Meanwhile, are we serving God faithfully and single-mindedly?

LET IT GO

Keep the faith while I wait.

Pray for God's will and be prepared to accept yes and no.

Don't be hesitant to weep the tears to a compassionate God.