Hezekiah - When Troubles “Surround” You

-Introduction

-A while back, I presented a couple of lessons which focused on King Hezekiah.  This

 morning, I want to return to Hezekiah and address another manner in which he serves as a

 good example.

            -the Taylor Prism - clay prism discovered in Nineveh - the capital city of the Assyrians

            -On this prism is a record of the conquests of the Assyrian King, Sennacherib.  It

             documents the cities of Judah which he overthrew.  It states that he had Hezekiah

             “caged like a bird.”  However, the prism fails to explain why Sennacherib then

             returned home without capturing the city.  We know.  The scriptures tell us.

            -By considering the actions of Hezekiah amidst this serious threat, one can learn some

             valuable lessons that can be helpful when we feel that we are “surrounded” by

             various troubles.

-Hezekiah - When Surrounded by the Assyrians

-Let us note that Hezekiah was not perfect in his response - i.e. giving the Assyrians the

 silver from the temple of the Lord and the treasuries from the king’s house, the gold from

 the doors and doorposts of the temple.  Yet, overall, Hezekiah’s response was good.

            -2 Kings 18:13-16

-However, we should realize that the Assyrians posed a very serious and formidable threat.

            -2 Kings 18:9-11 - The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen.

            -The Assyrians also invaded Judah and overthrew/captured a number of their cities.

            -Now, they were threatening and taunting Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem.

                        -Isaiah 36:4-21

1.  Hezekiah Didn’t Give Up Because He Maintained a Spiritual Perspective

-Can you imagine what it would have been like?  City after city after city had fallen.

 And, now, the Assyrians basically were saying - “You’re next.”  The Assyrians were

 urging the people to simply give up.

-2 Chronicles 32:2-6 - Hezekiah didn’t “throw up his hands” and simply give up.  Instead,

                                           he made provisions and did what he could.

            -We simply can’t give up.  When we face troubles, we’re not going to do everything

             perfect.  We’re not always going to be able to discern the best course of action.  But,

             we can (and need to) do the best we can.

-2 Chronicles 32:7-8 - Hezekiah didn’t give up because he maintained a spiritual

                                           perspective.

            -I simply cannot overemphasize the importance of this. 

            -Heb. 12:2 - “looking unto Jesus” - The Greek word translated “looking” is a

             combination of two other Greek words – one meaning “off (away from something

             near)” (Strongs) and the other meaning “to stare at” (Strongs).  Hence this word

             “looking” carries with it the idea of looking away from other things in order to

             “consider attentively” (Strongs), “to concentrate the gaze on” (Vines) Jesus.  Notice,

             this is to be ongoing.  It isn’t an occasional glance.  It is to be a concentrated, ongoing

             focus.

                        -Let’s not look away from Jesus (lose our focus) because of troubles that seemingly

                         surround us.  Let’s keep our spiritual perspective and keep our focus on Christ.

2.  Seek God and Pray

-Isaiah 37:1- Hezekiah went to God.

            -When facing difficulties we shouldn’t simply sit back, do nothing and wait for God’s

             help.  Instead, we need to take some initiative and go to God.  (Now, hopefully we

             don’t do this only in difficult times but also when things are going well.)

            -Heb. 11:6

-Later, Hezekiah would receive a threatening letter from the Assyrians (Isa. 37:8-13). 

 Notice what he did in response - Isa. 37:14-20.

            -When it seems that troubles have surrounded us, we need to spread them out before

             God and pray.

3.  Lean Upon Good People for Help

-Isaiah 37:2-4 - Hezekiah immediately sent word to Isaiah and requested his help.  He

                         requested his prayers.  Few things are as comforting as knowing others

                                                 are petitioning the God of heaven on your behalf.

            -Isaiah 37:5-7 - Isaiah’s words of comfort

-When Hezekiah was troubled he sought help from Isaiah, a person who was spiritually

 strong.

            -When we are facing difficulties, we need to reach out to those around us - those who

              are spiritually strong.

            -Don’t retreat into isolation.  Don’t let pride stand in the way.  Reach out to others.

             Be honest and open. 

-Summary and Invitation

-What happened to Sennacherib and his army? - Isa. 37:21-22, 33-38.

            -Now, within they system that we live under - the Gospel of Christ - we shouldn’t

             expect such direct intervention from God.  However, He is still at work in accordance

             with His love, power and wisdom through the avenue of his providential care.

-So, if sorrow, tragedy, health issues, stress, frustration, family situations, situations

 involving close friends, depression, sin, etc. have seemingly surrounded you:

            -Don’t give up.  Do the best you can.

            -Develop and/or maintain a spiritual perspective.

            -Seek God and pray to Him.

            -Turn to good people for help.