2 Kings 19:3 King Hezekiah said, “This is a day of distress, insults, and humiliation, as when a baby is at the moment of birth, but the mother lacks the strength to push it through.”
When Hezekiah became king at 25 years of age, he immediately began restoring righteousness to the land. In 2 Kings 18 it is recorded: he did what the Lord approved like his ancestor David had done. Then, just as his labors were producing fruit, the enemy appeared. The king of Assyria marched his army up to the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. His army then surrounded Jerusalem, the seat of Hezekiah’s throne, and the king’s messengers scoffed at the inhabitants within. With a vast army backing up their threat, the generals and advisors of Assyria delivered an ultimatum: surrender or be destroyed. Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he says your God will rescue you.
To me this is a perfect example of the attention we attract when we get serious about being followers of Jesus. How do we respond to false accusations and threats? Hezekiah’s cry to God is so vulnerable and heartfelt: “Just at the moment of birthing good things, this happens – to drain the strength we need to accomplish what we began.” Hezekiah didn’t respond to the enemy. He commanded the people to remain silent as well. There is no need to respond to the enemy’s attacks. We know what those voices will say. Hezekiah simply cried out in humility to God and God dealt with the situation. Within days the enemy forces were taken to a different battle. Within a few years, as Gods prophet declared, the mighty king of Assyria had been assassinated by his own children: gone like smoke.
May 2020 be a year that God’ people stop being drawn into fights and debates, but seek God in humility instead. May this be a year when our focus is on Him for wisdom and courage – a year when we inspire others who are bitter or fearful. I pray that we, the followers of Christ, will be examples of Love: giving kind, thoughtful responses to others after we have first cried out to God. May our vision be 20/20 as we seek first His Kingdom, His response, and His power.