II Kings 18:27 “But the Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to speak these words to your master and to you, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are doomed with you to eat their own dung and to drink their own urine?””
While Eliakim had previously spoken with respect and diplomacy, the Assyrian spokesperson did not return the compliment. Rather he showed the utmost disrespect for Eliakim, making sure I would imagine, that all the people on the city wall heard every word clearly.
The enemy of Hezekiah wanted to make sure that everyone possible was focused on the facts, consumed by fear, and losing sight of faith. The Rabshakeh’s (chief officer) tactics were to help people imagine a hopeless future, to then sense the feelings that go with that imagined future, and eventually to start living like that was the actual future.
Our enemy’s tactics have not changed 3000 years later – same enemy, same tactics, same plan.
What challenges are in front of you today?
Are you focused on the facts?
Are you then starting to feel hopeless?
Are you believing that this is the only possible future for you?
We don’t deny the facts – but God is not limited by any facts, so we look through the eyes of faith. We dive deep into God’s word every day, we journal like crazy what we believe He is revealing to us, we pray with all that is in us as we intentionally surround ourselves with others who are faithful, well people.
There is no doubt Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem were facing real challenges (just like you and I), but if we keep reading the story we will be amazed at the outcome – this story, like your story, is not over yet!
Principle 31 – Faith trumps facts every time.
Strength – Connectedness – gather around shared dreams, help connect the action to vision, don’t sweat the small stuff, help others see purpose, build bridges and promote understanding – see the long term picture.
Blessings