Wednesday, March 25 2009
ISAIAH 38
Key Verse: V2 “Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord,”
Hezekiah almost died in sickness and he prayed to God, and God gave him 15 more years! Some people believe that God has already a plan for our life, whether be it our lifespan, life partner, family, career, etc, and we need not pray but just take everything by faith from God. However, from the example of Hezekiah and many other examples in the Bible, we realize that prayer is an integral part of a Christian life. Indeed, prayer is a real test of how much faith and trust we have in our Almighty God.
1. Life extended
V3 “And said, Remember now, O Lord, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.”
Once Hezekiah received the news from prophet Isaiah that he was to prepare himself to die, Hezekiah did not panic or questioned God, but he immediately prayed. The reason why God answered Hezekiah was that he was a spiritual, mature and humble king. When we face crises and even death, let us not panic or question God, but let us immediately pray to God and search our hearts that we be spiritual, mature and humble, and God shall answer our prayers according to His perfect will.
V5 “Go, and say to Hezekiah, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days 15 years.”
2. Sins forgiven
V17 “Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.”
The best answer to Hezekiah’s prayer was that his sins were forgiven! The best comfort and assurance for all Christians is to know that our sins are forgiven and that we are the children of God and are righteous before God because of Christ.
3. City delivered
V6 “And I will deliver thee and this city out of thy hand of the king of Assyria: and I will defend this city.”
Not only Hezekiah’s life was extended and his sins forgiven, his city was delivered from the most aggressive and mighty Assyrian army at that time.
Food for Thought
Work as though everything depends on you and pray as though everything depends on God.
