Bible Pathway - May 8, 2010
Highlights:
Revival comes with the new king of Judah (II Kin. 18:5-7)! Hezekiah's life and death is all here. Discover the reason for the Lord's favor in his life (18:5-6). You will want to avoid his foolish error (19:3).
The prophet Isaiah went to King Hezekiah who was sick unto death. . . . and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die. . . . Then he (King Hezekiah) turned his face to the wall, and prayed . . . I beseech Thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before Thee in Truth. . . . the Word of the Lord came to him (Isaiah) . . . tell Hezekiah. . . . I will add unto thy days fifteen years (20:1-6; comp. 19:15).
Hezekiah had reigned nearly 15 years and had no son at this time to continue his posterity.
Throughout the Gospels it becomes obvious that there's not a cry nor a tear, a sickness or death over which the compassionate heart of Christ is not touched. Did God announce Hezekiah's death in order to bless him as well as the nation?
Every situation of life is depicted for us in the Bible to instruct us about gaining the most out of our brief life. As we read through the Bible we gain insight on how to understand our circumstances.
The ambassadors from Babylon came with a present to congratulate Hezekiah for his recovery. It's disappointing that he gave no glory to God who had healed him in answer to his prayers. He proudly impressed the ambassadors with his exceeding much riches (II Chr. 32:27) of silver, gold, precious stones, and jewels. By exposing his treasures he was encouraging the Babylonians to covet his wealth (32:28; II Kin. 20:17). We need to ask ourselves: "What spiritual good did his boasting to the enemies of God accomplish?"
Hezekiah's additional 15 years also provided him with his son who became an evil king. As we consider the results of Hezekiah's prayer, how little we know of what is best for us. Would Hezekiah have been a greater blessing if he had prayed as our Master prayed: Not My will, but Thine, be done (Luke 22:42)?
When we know that a person will not recover from his illness, is it kind to offer hope of a quick recovery when there is little hope? Giving false hope can deprive him of the motivation to turn his face to the wall and earnestly pray for God to forgive their sins, and to receive Christ as Savior and Lord.
Be . . . ready . . . for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not (Luke 12:40).
Thought for Today:
This people draweth nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me (Matt. 15:8).
Christ Portrayed:
By Hezekiah, who was faithful in leading the Kingdom of Judah back to God and His Word (II Kin. 19) — a foreshadowing of Jesus' words to the Pharisees in His attempt to awaken them to their need to see themselves as sinners and recognize Him as their Savior (Mark 2:17).
Word Studies:
18:6 clave =b> clung, was devoted to; 18:17 Tartan =b> the title of Assyria's general, commander in chief; Rabsaris =b> the chief financial official; Rabshakeh =b> the chief officer, or possibly chief cupbearer; 18:31 by a present =b> by paying tribute; 19:3 bring forth =b> give birth; 19:7 blast =b> spirit of bad fortune; 20:3 sore =b> bitterly and loud.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Beth Carlton • Government Official: Rep. Vernon Buchanan (FL) • Country: Indonesia (211.8 million) five large and 13,662 lesser islands in Southeast Asia • Major languages: Bahasa Indonesian (modified form of Malay) and English • Growing pressure from Muslim leaders to limit advances of Christianity by not renewing many of the missionaries' permits to stay in the country • 83% Muslim; 9% Protestant; 4% Catholic; 2% Hindu; 1% Buddhist; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Thank God for the spiritual rest that is in Him (Heb. 4:9-10).
Optional Reading: Romans 11
Memory Verse for the Week: John 1:3
