Testimony Of Faith

There are times when we need to pay closer attention to the historical context of an event in order to understand it better. I believe this is one of those times. The way in which the Assyrians talk about God is disturbing. Ellen G. White says that had the Jews and Israelites remain faithful to God, none of this would have happened. In the days of Hezekiah, it was believed that many gods existed. They believed that each nation had their own god whom they worshiped and served. It was also believed that some god’s were more powerful than others. This was seen best by who would win wars and conquer all other nations. The Assyrians and all other nations thought that they had the most powerful gods in Hezekiah’s day. Since they were the most powerful nation in their day, and the Jews were paying tribute to them, they thought that their wooden idols were more powerful than the living God. Hezekiah knew differently. We read in Isaiah:

Isaiah 37:16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth.
Isaiah 37:17 Incline Thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open Thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
Isaiah 37:18 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
Isaiah 37:19 And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
Isaiah 37:20 Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even Thou only.

This is an inspiring prayer. In verse 19 Hezekiah speaks of all other gods as no gods, but the work of men’s hands. This truth was evident to all those who were faithful to God. But, to those who apostatized it had been veiled. They were the reason the Assyrians felt they had license to insult and blaspheme against God. They challenged God. God took the challenge, and we read the results in Isaiah.

Unlike his father Ahaz, Hezekiah was a faithful king. He submitted himself to God and reformed what was left of the nation. He led the people to worship God once again. When faced with the threat of an invasion by the Assyrians, he decided to trust God. He fortified the city walls. He armed the men for war. Then encouraged them by saying:

2Chronicles 32:7 Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him:
2Chronicles 32:8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God to help us, and to fight our battles

Hezekiah fasted and prayed. He placed Sennacherib’s letter upon the altar and prayed more. Hezekiah’s faith encouraged and inspired Judah to trust and have faith in God. In the beginning we see Sennacherib king of Assyria mocking and making fun of Hezekiah’s faith in God. But after God defeated Him in such a humiliating way, it seems he never tried to conquer Judah again. God demonstrated to all the people in Hezekiah’s day, which was the most powerful God.

Each time we follow the world’s counsel we say to the world, “your gods are more powerful.” Each time we do as the world does we say to the world, “your gods are more powerful.” How do we do this? When we file for divorce or sue, when we get in debt unnecessarily, when we use worldly marketing techniques, when we follow worldly health advice, when we try to get jobs the way worldly people do, and when we go about our relationships the way the world does. We tell the world, “My God is all powerful,” when we pray about our circumstance and wait for God to solve the issue. Then after God solves it we give Him the glory. We do this when we find out from God what is His will; then we do it God’s way and in His timing. This includes the most minor details of our lives. Some may laugh at praying for what cereal to eat. But does not God know our body, better than we do? Some feel it is scandalous to let God chose our mate. But, since God knows us best, would He not know who would be a perfect complement for us? How about allowing God to direct us on which career to chose? How about allowing God to guide us on what, when and how we purchase? You may laugh at my friend who says he prays for which clothes to buy. But, he is one of the most sharply dressed men I know.

When we are faithful to God, the Rabshakeh’s of our world may scare us or shake us but we have assurance that God will deliver us. Who are these Rabshakeh’s of our world? They are not only nations, but also: government offices, corporations, churches, hospitals, schools, banks, utility companies, and telecommunication services. They are indeed large and resourceful, and they tell us that things are to be done their way or you will never accomplish anything. They tell you that unless you comply they will make sure you never buy, borrow, drive or worship again. You know they are capable of backing their threat, because you’ve heard stories of others who have suffered their wrath. You know people who have told you their horror story. In your distress you go to God, place your petition on the altar, and pray for deliverance. If God delivered Hezekiah and the Jews surely He can deliver you or help you through it. Will you believe Him or the Rabshakeh’s of our time?

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