Fear May Grip the City, but Jesus Brings Peace

This week’s

Don’t listen to Hezekiah when he tries to mislead you by saying, “The LORD will rescue us!” Have the gods of any other nations ever saved their people from the king of Assyria? What happened to the gods of Hamath and Arpad? And what about the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Did any god rescue Samaria from my power? What god of any nation has ever been able to save its people from my power? So what makes you think that the LORD can rescue Jerusalem from me?” 2 Kings 18:32-35

After King Hezekiah’s officials delivered the king’s message to Isaiah, the prophet replied, “Say to your master, ‘This is what the LORD says: Do not be disturbed by this blasphemous speech against me from the Assyrian king’s messengers. Listen! I myself will moved against him, and the king will receive a message that he is needed at home. So he will return to his land, where I will have him killed with a sword.” 2 Kings 19:5-7

Fear grips the city. The Assyrian officials are shouting about the LORD and that He’s unable to protect them from the army that has successfully taken down every other god out there. And who is “the LORD” to them? We see the people gathering in huddled groups whispering with each other in hushed conversation debating the truth of the official’s statement. They HAD conquered every other land they’d gone up against. Would the LORD be able to hold them back? Would the LORD be able to help them in this time of desperate need?

The Assyrian officials knew exactly what they were doing didn’t they? Not only did they put Fear into the hearts of the people, they put it in there along with Doubt. Doubt and Fear often seem to go hand in hand together. One never seems to be too far away from the other. But while there may have been some along that wall that heard those words and were afraid, King Hezekiah was moved to prayer. He went to the only One who could actually help them. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – the God of Hezekiah. And in answer to their prayer, “the LORD sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army with all its commanders and offers. So Sennacherib was forced to return home in disgrace to his own land. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him there with a sword. THAT is how the LORD rescued Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem from King Sennacherib of Assyria and from all the others who threatened them. So there was peace throughout the land.” (2 Chronicles 32:21-22)

As much as the Assyrians taunted and shouted, it didn’t matter because they were shouting lies. It doesn’t matter how loud you are, what matters is the amount of Truth you’re telling. Yaweh is the LORD of lords and the King of kings and no amount of lie-shouting is going to EVER change that. He is the beginning and the end. He is the creator and the Father – your Father. He is the One who loves you with a love that surpasses all knowledge and experience. He is your biggest fan and your highest honor. He is the one who cheers the loudest for you. When all you hear is stillness, He’s there. Satan shouts in your ears while Jesus whispers to your heart. Listen to the sweet whispers of your heart today. What are they saying?

He loves you my dear one. More than you could EVER hope, think or imagine – and then some more on top of that!

As 2014 winds down and 2015 gears up, be seriously thinking about making consistent Bible reading part of your New Year’s Resolution. Even five minutes a day makes a difference! However, if your interested in getting disciplined with your Bible reading, I suggest our 365 Life Reading Program. It takes you through the entire Bible in just under 365 days by reading about 30 minutes a day six days a week – now that’s not too bad. If you’re interested click here and check out our 365 Life Devotionals and Journals!!! They’re a great way to get started and will help you keep going so that you can reach your goal with success! 😀 And if you have any questions, feel free to email us at tamarknochel at gmail dot com (no spaces, fill in the “at” with an @ and the “dot” with a .)

Next week’s