II Kings 19:21-22 This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him: “She despises you, she scorns you – the virgin daughter of Zion; she wags her head behind you – the daughter of Jerusalem.” “Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice and lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel!”
The question at the heart of this prophecy is “whom have you mocked and reviled?” The Assyrians, Hezekiah’s deadly enemies, have without a doubt massive power, might, resources, skill, and capabilities. They have an overwhelming desire to crush Israel and Judah into submission, knowing that any let-up on their part will be seen as a sign of weakness by the other empires.
But it’s not actually Judah, Jerusalem, or even Hezekiah that they are pitting themselves against. It is Yahweh. The God of heaven and creator of all. They mistakenly positioned Israel’s God alongside the metal, stone, and wooden idols of other nations. They have a “wallet-sized picture” of God.
I ask myself questions here – how have I positioned God in my life? Do I remind myself of who He is daily, do I pour over His words with a heart hungry to experience his nature impacting my life, do my prayers rush past my lips, tumbling out mixed with praise and hope? Does his love penetrate the darkest areas of my carnal nature, drawing into the light all that needs to be sanctified? Am I madly in love with Him, seeing Him high and lifted up regardless of my circumstances? All this is the adventure of abundant life that God is calling me towards, will I follow, or will I trade it in for a bowl of lentil stew? (my immediate needs being gratified?)
These are great questions for me to ponder and answer today. I hope that at least one of these causes you to pause and consider.
Principle of Change 63 – Falling in love with God is the beginning of true life
Strength – Restorative – God always has a plan to draw us back to him and shape us into his original design for us.