Day of Trouble

“From ShareTheWord:  4-12-13

“My Two Cents Worth”  -  A Day of Trouble

 

     In Isaiah 37:3, King Hezekiah of Judah, sent the following message to the prophet Isaiah, “This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.”  The conduct of King Hezekiah when he heard what he considered to be a haughty message from King Sennacherib, King of Assyria, is that of a man who was seeking help and answers from one he considered to be a man of God; the prophet Isaiah. 

     We have to look to Isaiah 36:4 to see what King Sennacherib said that troubled Hezekiah so much, “…What confidence is this where in thou trustest?  Verse 5 continues, “I say, sayest thou, (but they are but vain words) I have counsel and strength for war: now on whom dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me.”  

     Look now on how Hezekiah responded to this message.  He rends his garments and covers himself with sackcloth.  This was significant of sorrow and of self-humiliation.  Peter gives us great instruction for this circumstance in I Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”  Instead of searching far and wide for the causes of our distress, it is well to look first in our own hearts.  There, where the problem often begins (with the help of the Lord) we will find the remedy and the hope we need to press on.  Hezekiah sent several messengers, also covered with sackcloth, unto Isaiah to pray for the remnant that was left.  

     It is natural and also scriptural for us to seek an interest in the prayers of others.  To seek the prayers of others on our behalf, rests on the belief that some men (and women too) seem to walk closer to God than others.  They have a firmer faith, a stronger insight into the word of God through much study, and a spirituality about them that is inspiring to others.  On this occasion Isaiah is found to be calm and undisturbed by the madness of the Assyrian king.  

     Isaiah responds to the message from Hezekiah in a manner fitting to a man of God,  “Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard…” (Isaiah 37:6).   What great comfort this must have brought to Hezekiah.  “Be Not Afraid!”  

     All of God’s ministers should be available and willing to pray.  But, we are not always there when you need us.  JESUS IS ALWAYS THERE and He hears the cries of His children.  If “Today is a day of Trouble” for you, then call on Him.  You will never get a busy signal.  But then, that is just “My Two Cents Worth.”  

 

Elder Bobby Willis

Moderator, ShareTheWord