Isaiah 36 & 37 - "When the Outlook is Bleak, Try the Uplook."

LINK: Isaiah 36 & 37

BACKGROUND

Isaiah 36-39 is a historical interlude that contains two events that are foundational to understanding Isaiah and Judah's history. 

Isaiah 36-37 concerns the Assyrian threat and God's miraculous intervention that we have been hearing about. Isaiah had prophesied in Isaiah 1-35 that God would use Assyria to punish them and bring them back to Himself. He also prophesied that Judah would not be destroyed. This is the fulfillment of that prophecy.

We have already studied this account in 2 Kings 18:13-19:36 and 2 Chronicles 32. Here is the background post to refresh your memory: Hezekiah the King

REFLECTION (written in 2009)

"When the outlook is bleak, try the uplook." 

Warren Wiersbe in Be Distinct.

This quote captures the essence of these chapters. King Hezekiah had nowhere to look but up. God would never fail him. Hezekiah's response is a good lesson for us. How do we respond in intimidating circumstances? We can ignore them, give in to them, or we can follow Hezekiah's game plan (sort of like a "Hail Mary Play").

Hezekiah acknowledged that he was pretty intimidated as evidenced by tearing his clothes. Then, in faith, he headed straight for the temple of God and called for a word from the Lord through Isaiah! He admitted he was utterly helpless in the face of the threat. Then, Isaiah reassured with these familiar words: "Do not be afraid" (1 of the 240 "do not be afraid" quotes in the Bible), the Lord would not be blasphemed by this pagan king and would defeat Assyria.

Even Sennacherib's intimidating letter would not intimidate Hezekiah. He went to the temple, spread that letter out to the Lord, and acknowledged God's holiness, power, and sovereignty as the "God . . . enthroned between the cherubim" (angels on the atonement cover of the ark of the covenant).

Hezekiah also explained the reason behind his petition: 

So that all nations on earth may know that you alone, 

O LORD, are God. (37:20)

Here is an example of the bottom line in Scripture that I have been talking about since the beginning of the Bible Book Club: God wants to be exalted among the nations as the one and only true God!

In the end, 185,000 Assyrian troops died before ever coming to battle, and Sennacherib went home only to be slaughtered by his own children!

I have a situation now that is out of my control, and this reading is perfectly timed. This morning, it is time for a "Hail Hezekiah Play (and Pray)." I need to . . .

1) Acknowledge that I am fearful 

2) Run straight to God 

3) Seek affirmation through people who hear from God and speak His truth 

4) Admit that I am utterly helpless, and it involves things out of my control 

5) Praise God for His sovereignty and power over the situation 

6) Pray that He would be glorified to others through it 

Putting this into practice, my sorrow from last night has been turned to joy this morning! Praise God!

Also, I find the Welcoming Prayer very helpful in letting go of control: 

APPLICATION

Perhaps you have a difficult situation today. Follow Hezekiah's game plan!

PRAYER

"O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, You alone are God over all kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, O LORD, and hear; open Your eyes, O LORD, and see, listen" to our prayer this morning. Some of us are in difficult circumstances. We choose not to ignore them or give in to them, but we choose to stand before You and ask You to solve the problem so that it might bring greater glory to You alone. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.