2 Kings 18-20
Read 2 Kings 18-20
Helpful Background Information:
Hezekiah was 25 years old when he became the 13th king of Judah for twenty-nine years, from c. 715 to 686 BC. The prophets Isaiah and Micah ministered to him and in Judah during his reign.
He was the son of the wicked King Ahaz, but in 2 Kings 18:5-7 we are told that Hezekiah “trusted in the LORD God of Israel. No king of Judah was like him either before him or after him. He remained faithful to the LORD and did not turn from following him but kept the commands the LORD had commanded Moses. The LORD was with him, and wherever he went, he prospered.” Hezekiah was known to faithfully and fervently follow the Lord, going to the Lord in prayer in every circumstance and removing idols and barriers to worship.
2 Kings 20 tells of how Hezekiah was sick to the point of death, but went to the Lord in prayer begging for healing. The Lord heard his prayer and gave Hezekiah 15 more years to live. God knows how people will respond, he is omniscient. In Hezekiah’s case, God’s ultimate intention was to heal the king. But our actions are one means through which the Lord brings His plans to pass, and He makes our decisions meaningful by acting in ways that prompt us to pray.
Reflection Questions:
In what ways can you actively remove "idols" or distractions in your life that hinder your relationship with God?
Is there an area of your life that you struggle to leave to the sovereignty of God? What areas of life is it hard to surrender and depend on the Lord wholeheartedly? What would change in your life today if you trusted the Lord like Hezekiah did? What is holding you back?
Just like Hezekiah, we can earnestly seek the Lord in prayer. He didn’t pretend to be strong or have it all together, but rather turned toward the Lord and poured out his heart. Bring one honest, specific need to God right now. Tell him exactly what you’re facing. Trust that he hears you and that his answer—whatever it is—comes from a faithful Father who loves you deeply.