Resources Isaiah 36-37 - The Life of Hezekiah (also 2 Kings 18ff & 2 Chron. 29ff) Is God still at work today - in people; nations; every day events? What is the relevance of stories written a few thousand years ago to today - Stories of people; nations; every day events? If there is a relevance? what is it we are supposed to learn; understand; take away with us that will equip us for living in the 21st century? These questions may have crossed your mind from time to time as they have crossed mine. They may actually be questions like these or similar that are a stumbling block to you in your relationship or lack of it with God. This morning, we are simply going to look at a major part of Hezekiah's life and in so doing, answer the above questions as we turn our attention towards God. Before we do, a very brief historical setting ... You will know that Israel had been split into two nations following Solomon's death. Israel - North; Judah - South. Israel as a nation had now been destroyed by the Assyrians and the people taken into captivity as a direct result of their persistent sin and failure to follow after God or to return to him. This happened in the sixth year of Hezekiah's reign after a three year siege against Samaria ( the Northern capital ). Eight years later, the same Assyrian army, under the leadership of King Sennacherib comes knocking on the door of Jerusalem. All the fortified cities in Judah had been taken captive - some 46 of them, plus many surrounding villages. This is where we take up our story .... Take this message to King Hezekiah .... 'On what are you basing this confidence of yours? You talk words but have nothing to back it up. On whom are you depending, that you rebel against me? Don't bother relying on Egypt - they are bruised and broken. Useless in fact.' Don't tell me you're thinking of relying on the Lord your God? That's another big waste of time. Your best way out is to bargain with me, we will even give you horses if you can find riders to put on them! Furthermore, the Lord is actually on my side - He has told me to march against you and destroy you. Listen you people, whatever you do, don't let Hezekiah persuade you to trust in the Lord. He's trying to deceive you, it won't work. Hezekiah cannot deliver you. Their are no gods who are able to stand before us .... we've defeated them all, where are they now? They are helpless to save and the people have been destroyed. Don't be persuaded. Bargain with me, make peace with me. ( Sounds a good idea given their situation ) We are told of Hezekiah that he was a godly King. He did what was right in God's eyes, destroying idol worship in Judah; trusting God; holding fast to the Lord, not ceasing to follow Him, keeping His commands. However it was time for faith to be put into practice - was his faith in God real or superficial - would it stand the test of difficulties and dangers. Would He still trust in God or look for other options? How would he deal with this crisis? ( enlarge and relate to us ) When he heard the news - he humbled himself putting on sackcloth and went to the temple of the Lord. He instructed some of his cabinet members to find the prophet Isaiah and to seek God in prayer - perhaps God has heard. The message comes back from Isaiah - 'do not be afraid of what you have heard' - the blasphemy of the King of Assyria will be dealt with. I will give you a sign that I am in control here - keep trusting me. Sennacherib withdrew from Jerusalem, having received a report of trouble elsewhere - just as Isaiah had said. ... But he had a letter delivered to Hezekiah, reminding him of what he intended to do, pouring further ridicule upon God and his inability to save, 'just like the other God's.' Hezekiah's response was once again is to go to the temple, open out the letter before God. He pleads with God in prayer. ( Read 37 : 14 - 17 ) Sennacherib had made a mistake. This was not a God fashioned by human hands, made of wood, stone or other material. ( Continue - expand on highlighted passage ) As a result of Hezekiah's prayer - God speaks. Isaiah tells Hezekiah of God's intervention in this matter. As we hear God speaking through the prophet, we find answers to the questions we asked at the start of the message. Is God still at work today - in people; nations; every day events? What is the relevance of stories about people and nations? Just as God was at work all those years ago - God is at work today. Just as God heard the prayer of Hezekiah - God hears today. Just as God saw and listened then - God sees and listens today. Just as God spoke to Hezekiah and the people of Judah - so God speaks to his people today - even in Orrell Park. Just as God intervened then - God still intervenes today. And it is the same lessons we are to learn and apply in our faith walk with God. God is Sovereign. God is Just. God is Merciful. God is Judge. Permit me a few minutes to look at these as we finish off this part of the story in Hezekiah's life. God's word against Sennacherib ...... You have come and insulted and blasphemed me; you have raised your voice against me; your raise your eyes in pride; you heap insults upon the Lord when you talk of all your famous victories and boast of what you have achieved. Haven't you heard Sennacherib - I'm the Sovereign God. I ordained all this long ago, it was planned in days of old and it is me who has brought it to pass .... you are my instrument of judgement upon the nations of many false gods and idols. In all that has been done, you've failed to see my hand on your life, or turned to me in worship, or praised me. You have simply boasted in yourself - Sennacherib - full of pride. ( Relate to us ) As a result of your pride - I'm going to show you I'm a God of justice. You think you have the world at your feet; you have made your plans; you have administered your justice as you saw fit - now listen to me. ( Read 37 : 28 - 29 ) - ( enlarge ) My people of Judah - those in Jerusalem will be free. They will not be taken by you. They will have food to eat and in the years that are ahead - they will sow and reap and bear fruit. Because I am a God of Justice and a God of Mercy. There will be a remnant, there will be a band of survivors. My zeal, my devotion, my love for my people will accomplish this. ( Read Isaiah 9 : 7 ) - ( enlarge ) Hezekiah, I will defend my city and save it! I am a God who judges. I will judge Sennacherib. For his sin, his pride, his arrogance, his blasphemy, his insults - his army will be destroyed and so will he. ( Read Isaiah 37 : 36 - 38 ) ( God's judgement is real - awesome - we will stand before Him - what will be our plea? what will be His sentence? ) Back to top of page

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