Today’s Reading, 2 Kings 18-19
Focal Scripture: 2 Kings 19:19 “Now, Lord our God, please save us from his power so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, Lord, are God — you alone.”
I remember seeing an interview with a talk show host that was very disturbing. The host had a spiritual guest on and was discussing how all gods were the same. The thesis of their discussion is that all gods always lead to heaven. It doesn’t matter if you worship Buddha, the light, or anyone else. Eventually, if you have enough belief you would make your way to the final goal, eternal life in heaven.
What this person missed is that there is only one God that resides in heaven. There is only one God that hears and responds. There is only one God that has the power to do life changing work. In today’s reading we see what a godly leader and passionate prayer warrior looks like from King Hezekiah. The King received bad news and was troubled by what he heard. His prayer is heartfelt and full of theology. He acknowledges that he is praying to the only God of heaven. He acknowledges his power in making heaven and Earth. He gives his concern over his enemy who in fact has defeated many people. However, his prayer at the end reveals he wants to be saved not for his own kingship but for the glory of the Lord to spread.
Later on we see the response from Isaiah the prophet. He tells Hezekiah that the Lord heard his prayer and will deal with his enemies. The Assyrians mocked the one true God and would be held accountable. They would be destroyed and led out of the country. God was going to deal with them swiftly and harshly.
The focus of today is that Hezekiah worshiped the one true God. He was concerned with the name of the Lord. He was passionate about the reputation of the one he worshipped and prayed to on a daily basis. He knew that because he worshipped the one true God of the universe he couldn’t allow untruth to go unchecked. That is why he brought his concern to the Lord in prayer.
That is our challenge today, to pray to the one true God. Hezekiah knew the truth even though others tried to convince him otherwise. He did not waiver from his belief and his worship. He consistently and constantly brought his concerns to the Lord in prayer. How we pray reveals much about our beliefs. If we bring everything to the Lord it reveals we trust him completely. If we only go to him in times of trouble it reveals we view him as a genie. However, if we view him as the one true God of the universe our minds will always be focused on him.
So how do you view God? Do you believe he is the only way? Or do you believe there are many ways? The answer will determine your future.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading 2 Kings 20-22
